Cave dweller is always good start. Man from the fog is a bit obnoxious but it works. Again, i recommend just messing around with all of them at least once to know what u like, and mod reviews are usually good to look at

Thats fair lmao. Have fun with your modpacks!!! I recommend simply playing around and trying new things, its always nice to see something new that works. make backups if you want to be real safe. Good luck!!!!

The "dweller" mods are sometimes a bit low quality but i still recommend them, even if theyre a bit funny sometimes.
I also recommend the corpse mod if its available in your version, if you die a lot u can rest assured ur items dont despawn

yess
From The Fog is a singular herobrine mod, i recommend it. The sightings are a bit rare bit that makes it scarier imo..

I also recommend some sort of True Darkness / hardcore darkness, it makes night darker

Also Sound Physics / ambient sounds

If you dont use optifine use a dynamic lights mod

I use curseforge app to make the modpack/profile, it makes the whole process sooo easy. You dont even have to use their mods, you can usually get them from anywhere if theyre compatible with your version

If you have any questions about modpack making please reach out i literally have a crippling addiction to minecraft modpacks

What i like to do is to watch mod showcase videos on youtube (like by Noxus, Eccentric Emerald, AsianHalfSquat, etc) and pick and choose which ones i like best. Thats how a lot of my best modpacks are made!

Also, Vampirism MIGHT be on 1.20.1, check that out that version has awesome mods

Le blusky word limit.. i might have some more advice give me a few

(I say the versions bit bc my friend is also getting into modpacks and he asked why there were few mods)

Also, i wouldnt worry about getting viruses, i think curseforge has a screening process for all files. But i get it!

Absolutely unwelcome advice but

Go to mc -> video settings -> performance -> disable "Show OpenGL Errors"

Happens sumtimes with how mods render stuff and it shouldnt impact ur game if u hide it

Also idk if u know but versions 1.19.2, 1.18.4, and 1.12.2, in my exp have the most/best mods

Done.

Message is for the sake of clarity. That is all