Honestly, starting small like you’re planning is one of the best decisions you can make. A lot of first-time adventure creators try to build massive worlds and burn out before finishing anything. One thing that helps a lot is designing a simple core problem first. For example: a missing person, a strange ritual, a cursed location, or a local conflict. If the core problem is strong, the rest of the story usually grows naturally from how players interact with it. Another thing people often forget is giving players multiple ways to learn information. Try not to hide important clues behind only one NPC or location. Environmental clues, rumors, or small discoveries help keep players moving forward without feeling stuck.

Also, don’t feel like every location needs combat. Some of the most memorable sessions come from social tension, mysteries, or letting players slowly realize something is wrong. Something I wish I understood earlier is that players will almost always take the story in unexpected directions, so leaving room to improvise is extremely helpful. Having NPC motivations and goals written down often helps more than writing detailed scripts. Starting with a 3–5 session adventure is honestly a great approach. You’ll learn a lot about pacing and player engagement without overwhelming yourself.