Fantasygrounds has a map feature that seems to work as a whiteboard (though it's a bit clunky). It does allow you to place markers and move them around though, so we can probably use that to keep track of rough positioning during fights.
Stuff about punching players in the face to establish dominance.
I should probably emphasize that they have absolutely no experience with roleplaying games. They're trusting me to run the game however it's supposed to be run, because they don't know any different. If their first experience with the game was being killed off for making a simple mistake against an overpowered foe, it might easily turn them off the entire thing. Especially since they're new, so they will make mistakes.
Really, my first goal when we start will be to instill a sense of freedom with them. We all come from a videogame background, and that brings a mindset of "there's a single correct path of action and if you get it wrong you can't progress" and "if you try to do something that's not obvious the game probably won't let you". I'm going to need to break them out of that ASAP. So my current plan is to start them somewhere low-key and let them explore a bit before dropping any major hints and plot-hooks. I'm hoping it'll also be good practice for me for dealing with unexpected decisions from them.
Then I would try a lead by the nose type deal. A kid napping, crying mother and a general location they can go to, so they have clear object and clear place to go to. This also wouldn't require a complicated dungeon, as it could be as simple as a camp site for the rapscallions. You could do a variety of site based adventures centered along one town with one NPC giving quest for the party to do, that gives them that linear path of progression they are used to. With their experience with the game they'll start doing odd things, and unexpected things and start playing the game as a more open world.
Again, I wouldn't try do a story. The player are as green horn as you say, as you to DMing, this could add a lot of complication. I would concentrate on site based adventures, and let your player decide when they're ready for more.
Two players is not ideal.
Two players is what I've got.
For what it's worth, both players have (or will have) an animal accompanying them. The dwarf fighter has a light warhorse that she's named and intends to take care of and use whenever possible, and the ranger will eventually get an animal companion (most likely a hawk) which will probably get the same sort of treatment.
I'm not entirely sure how to handle them, to be honest, but I think they'll essentially be minor additional "characters" rather than just tools in the players' minds. Any advice on that front would be nice...right now I'm sort of planning to play them as NPCs wherever it makes sense.
Also, thanks for all the planning tips! I think I've worked out a planning-plan that isn't completely overwhelming, now. After the first play-session I'll probably have a better idea of what I need, too. This whole topic has helped my confidence a lot.
Animal NPCs have a nasty habit of being forgotten about. Then they sorta pop in randomly. Horses don't suffer from this as much, but can. Its a common trope in table top games.
There a better page of his comic that demonstrate this but, this is the one I managed to find.
So, the animals will just be NPC really ran by you.
The reason why two is an issue, is the assumption of the game of four to five players with a max about eight so everything is geared toward this. You can provide them with shallow site capable support, like a cleric that will heal them for free.
Though without the support classes, this really limits how long the party can between site vistis, which for this case wont be so bad if you're doing site based adventures. They can return to town fairly easily.
Also, characters die. Let them die. Low level characters are fragile. All the experience players here offering their wisdom have probably rolled up dozens and dozen of characters with probably a small stash of recycled characters. (I have about 10 or so that I've played regularly for ten years.)