There is player vs. player fighting in PlaneShift, in the form of duels. If a player wants to duel another player, they have to /challenge them and the other player have to accept the challenge before the duel can start. The client allows you to set one of three ways to handle challenges; you may automatically decline, automatically accept or have a request pop up when you are challenged. NPC monsters/bad guys can be fought without challenging, but NPCs like merchants, citizens and trainers can not be attacked.
Most new players start out by hunting rats, the Hydlaa sewers is the common place to hunt for them. They can be killed by most players without weapons, and the hides and eyes from them(/loot your kill) can be sold to merchants to earn some tria(money).
If you need help in game(for example with finding the sewers), you can either ask a player politely for help or use the help channel in the chat box. Please avoid using /shout to ask for help and avoid begging for tria or items, it is considered rude and disruptive for the other players. Role-playing is encouraged, so thinking a little on the story of your character, and how they act would be a good idea. You should familiarize yourself with the
Ingame Rules of Conduct, especially the naming policy, if you are going to create a new character. Bad names are changed sooner or later, and though GMs may ask the player for suggestions, GMs do not always have the time or possibility to talk to you about it, and you may end up with a randomized name, so its best to choose a good name from the start.
I hope you find these advice helpful and Welcome to PlaneShift, may you have a pleasant time here.
