I am planning on building a 600 sq foot patio using patio pavers. The
previous owner of my house had put down a 8"-12" thick layer of pea stone
where each stone is about 1/2"-1" in size. This was a retaining wall
project which the previous owner started. Is the stone going to cause a
problem with shifting?

What can I do to create a surface that's suitable for a patio? I've read
that a layer of crusher run or stone dust and then possibly a layer of sand
is good for laying patio pavers. Someone had suggested putting a layer of
crusher run on the existing stone. The crusher run would work its way
between the existing stone creating a stable surface.

Or should the existing stone be removed completely? I would really like to
avoid that if there is a good alternative solution. Below the stone lies
topsoil.

Wes