Some interesting points have been raised throughout this thread.
I'm not entirely new to the game, having played on three occasions. I tend to revisit from time to time play for several months and then 'dissappear'. Usually this means that when I come back to the game there have been significant changes, so much so that in many ways I am just as much a 'noob' as someone who is new to the game.
Here are some observations about Planeshift that I would like to share.
As far as any RPG that I have played, (online or otherwise), it is certainly unique in that the potential 'scope' for roleplay and character development is really broad. The foundations are being layed at present for what will no doubt become a truly living economy.
Over the last two periods of play the game has grown considerably in terms of world size, availability of crafting skills, and quests. It is notably more stable, and the balance of the game has improved markedly.
Quite incredible really for a game that is being developed by a group of people, in their 'spare time', and is still an 'alpha'.
Now on the real point of this post; as a newcomer it can take quite a while to 'get a start'.
1. When creating your character it would be prudent to pay attention to the choices you make, as in a sense they help to define your character.
2. When in game 'play' the character that you have created. This can be a little daunting, but as mentioned earlier 'attempts' at role playing will be more welcome than none at all. This can be difficult at times particularly when surrounded by those who don't seem to be interested in RP'ing at all.
3. In following this approach you will in time make good friends in game, who will be more than willing to share their wisdom with you. As a result you might likely receive an invite to join a guild.
4. Making money and / or building skills will take time initially, particularly as you begin empty handed. There are however a number of quests, (some quite simple to finish), that will help you start out, and get a feel for role play.
5. Patience and perseverance will be your friends. Both in game and with the game, (bear in mind that it is still in early developmental stages).
I do have some thoughts on the use of weapons at the beginning, if you choose to purchase one, bear in mind that they do depreciate in quality these days.
While it is possible to repair them the actual overall cost in keeping the weapon maintained will, (overtime), be more expensive than purchasing another one. This in itself is can be something of a disincentive, (to me anyway), but it you choose the path of the warrior you will need a weapon eventually.
Purchasing armour early on will be a considerable cost to the newcomer, and while offering protection, will degrade and cannot be repaired, (or so I believe), at present. My suggestion here would be to save your hard earned cash and spend it on training.
Gaining PP for training early on can be difficult also and this I think contributes to the current situation where people 'cue up' for a go at killing npc's. While earning currency is best achieved by mining, and depending on the choices made when creating your character, will most likely need 'training', and of course the purchase of equipment to begin.
There is something of a balance issue here, which I feel contributes to the confusion and frustration that some new players have. As a result you will need to spend quite a bit of time 'out of character' early on. No doubt this will be addressed as the game develops, and the options available continue to expand.
I'll finish my rave for now.
Cheers all, and enjoy the game.
