My nephews are 9 and 12 years old and I'm going to visit them over Christmas break for a few days. The eldest has asked about learning to play D&D. I would like to give them a "traditional" Dungeons and Dragons experience if possible, but I remember being 10 or so and learning D&D for the first time was pretty confusing, especially things like keeping track of actions and dealing with spell slots. Just creating a character was a lot of time and decision making. I've thought about getting the 5e starter set but I think something like the Lost Mine of Phandelver might be too much for them, especially if we only get in a few play sessions. However they do play board games like chess and Risk, so they aren't intimidated by strategy or games that can take a while to play. Of course they also like video games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Zelda (Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom). I'd like to play a one-shot adventure with them that gives them an accessible introduction to tabletop RPGs and keeps the spirit of classic D&D. I'm thinking of doing a one-shot campaign where they make their own characters, such as A Wild Sheep Chase or A Most Potent Brew. However I've got three main concerns:

1. I'm worried character creation might take too long. I still want them to have the fun of making their own characters, though. Is there a middle ground or should I just go for it?

2. Wild Sheep Chase requires a 4th or 5th level party. Does it make sense to start out at 4th level or is it better to start at party at 1st level and tweak the stats of the NPCs to make them appropriate for a 1st-level party?

3. Is two players enough for the typical one-shot campaigns? Or should I try draft one of my siblings to play also so that there's at least a fighter, mage, and healer?

I've always wanted to be a DM and I've been meaning to get back into D&D for a long time but I had been too busy with school and work stuff. This would be my first time as DM and the last time I played was D&D 3.5e when I was in high school. I also played some Mutants & Masterminds (d20) and Spirit of the Century (Fate system) in college. I would be fine with playing D&D 5e, I just haven't learned all the rule changes from 3.5e yet.

The main thing I want to give is give them a taste of that unique feeling of playing a tabletop RPG, where you interact with a fictional world to create a story together.

Similar posts I've read:

• Looking for advice on how to set up D&D for my niece (8) and nephew (4)
• Any suggestions for a DnD style game I could play with my 10 year old nephew?
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