When I was new DR was a
very scarey place:
1) my version was almost always very dark. I learned to carry a torch at all times (didn't always work well).
2) I spent a lot of time in there due to my habit of running off cliffs (which I still do).
3) There have been some very interesting RPs in that particular place, not all of them nice to a newbie, but most really fun! Call it a learning curve.
4) We didn't have mounts.
5) We didn't have storage.
Now, 2-1/2 yrs later, I still travel very slow in that realm. And still "...fall and die", both in DR and in the rest of the world. But hey, PS is a fantasy world, and a part of it is the DR. I won't complain if
you spend 2.5 yrs building up a few stats and skills. I have an older friend who says, "If you have a problem, build a bridge and get over it." Rather sarcastic, I know, but a good attitude actually.
Point is, I help whenever I can. And when I could finally cast "Strength" I didn't have to carry so many potions! Many is the time I helped with a heavy anvil, or guarded loot, etc. Most of us will try to help. Bear with it, and think of DR as a 'learning experience".
Make it a challenge to yourself, and above all, have FUN.
Sanrai