Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - small concrete pad

Hey everyone - I'm new to this forum and need lots of help! One project I'm working on is building an outdoor firepit with room for people to sit around. My basic idea was to lay paving bricks out in a circle with the pit in the middle. The donut that would make up the sitting area would be an approx. 3 feet wide path circling around the fire pit. I can't remember the total diameter but somewhere around 9-11 feet. My dad suggested that I lay a small concrete circular pad first and then lay the pavers on top of that. Idea being to provide stability. My question is, do I have to make the pad very deep or is this going to turn into a complicated process. Theoretically it seems relatively simple - dig about 4" down, lay a thin layer of sand, pour the crete inside the form, level the top, done. What do you think? :wall:

You don't need a layer of sand before you pour. Just compact the dirt.

Thank you. The rest is correct?