As a first time abstract 'adventure' on my first journey in a dangerous world I am apparently already advantaged in the premise by having a relatively excessive amount of antagonistic forces to drive my narrative.
I guess I should gather some characters? Maybe some actual adventurers? Probably should nab that protagonist the premise mentioned, at least follow them around.
Ah who cares, I'm getting swept up in events anyway according to the premise, so I'm going to be a pretty big adventure.
I don't like how the premise is trying very hard to underpay me.
Funny, you mention that, as I currently have three characters who have been on the run for three years after their home was destroyed. One thing I focused on was that they needed to be part of a small group, as they would likely survive rather than being alone. I also made sure each one has a unique skill, as this can be great to see how a group will react if they lose a team member.
Also, I try to make the characters do things which some wouldn't do. For example, let's say there's something broken in the open. Would they try to fix it, or scrap it for parts? Or is it a trap that is meant to trick bypassers? How your characters react will determine how they think, how they act, and creates problems within the group. This, in turn, makes those characters get refined over time.
If you have to pick a fight with a small and/or unassuming stranger, don't say anything to the effect of "This is going to be easy!" or "I'm going to enjoy this!".
This is great advice. Make each fight mean something, whether that explains something or builds a character in a certain way.
With all that said, if you do need some ideas, check the start of chapter 3, as well as chapter 4 of my book, as three kobolds are trying to survive in a world where they are being hunted down (namely, robbing a store, as well as robbing from soldiers who are... being entertained).
