RETTACY Graph Grid Paper Notebook, 3-Pack, 160 Pages per Pack, A5 Medium Size (5.7'' × 8.3''), 100 GSM Thick Paper, Spiral-bound, Flexible Plastic Cover, for Students, Homework, Math, Engineering

whoah. Take a deep breath, OP. It's easy to get bogged down in ALL the options... tools, etc. As others are sharing, pen, paper, rulebooks, and dice/cards. When I started, I did the same thing. Spent an afternoon setting up Notion (I already had a sub and didn't feel like adding another for Obsidian). All of those things just felt like constant work. I fell back on a solid notebook: (these are NOT affiliate links.) A5 grid spiral notebook A5 Journal cover (Not sure why it's not showing the model I got, mine doesn't zip and has a small closable pocket to keep a couple d6s in) Pen/Pencil of your choice For your map, my recommendation is to print 1 full-sheet hex map yourself, then scale it down so you get about 100 hexes on the page. This is your 'master' map. As you progress, you'll fill this in (obviously) with the details. I place a page number in the hex that corresponds to my pages of that hex's journaling. That page, depending, may very well have a smaller hex grid of like 12-24 hexes that serve as a more detailed (zoomed-in) view. Here is a free hex grid generator. Think of it like the map of Middle-earth. Sure, you see the Shire, Minas Tirith, Rohan, etc., but that is just the world overview. As you pointed out.. sitting somewhere typing out on your phone or tablet is just a pain. The notebook and pen are SO MUCH MORE freeing. I can sit at a coffee shop in a corner somewhere and play/write, or, more importantly, find a nice place in the shade somewhere at a park. (Yes, you CAN do these on a laptop, tablet or phone) but WHY? I spend too much time in front of this stupid screen during the day... my game journal is an excellent excuse not to. The MOST IMPORTANT thing OP. Just have fun. If messing around with all those tools is fun for you, then go for it. There isn't a wrong way or right way as long as you are having fun. I personally like the tactile feel of the pen/pencil and paper... using small sticky notes, etc., watching my journal 'age' with use. If you'd like, DM me, and I can help you with a setup like mine.