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Message: <blockquote data-quote="S'mon" data-source="post: 4924492" data-attributes="member: 463">For me, the key is to avoid a linear-series-of-encounters model.  For this reason I would avoid "caravan guards" type campaigns, unless the caravan is just an excuse for adventure site of the week, the Rawhide/Star Trek model.For exploration, there needs to be choice - do the PCs try to cross the river, go upstream looking for a ford, or downstream looking for the rumoured bridge?  What if there are trolls in the marshes, but the hills risk dangerous rockslides?  Negotiate with the Kawanga barbarians, fight, or detour around them?I recommend purchasing a predone "sand box" setting, either to use or to inspire your own work.  Points of Light I & II are in-print and excellent for this.  Wilderlands of High Fantasy box set is huge and very good, OOP but you can get it as a pdf.1.  Select, or create, a sand box environment.2.  Think about reasons why the PCs will want to cross it - searching for treasure, returning home after a 'teleport' trap, questing for an artifact, hunting a villain, etc.3.  Think about some cool areas on the map, focusing on decision-points.4.  Create some appropriate, exciting encounters for different areas; some degree of randomness is good, whatever suits you.   Some encounters that can take place anywhere are good too.5.  Finally, think about links between different areas, rumours, develop a few recurring NPCs.  Much of this can be done in-play.6.  Profit.</blockquote>

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