how do i guide myself without maps?
 

I'm a newbie and wanting to start fresh

Train a point in Sense Heading, then bind it to one of your movement keys. It'll be slow and monotonous at first, but eventually you'll be able to sense your direction regularly and be able to move through a zone that way.

Learn to use the /loc command and how the coordinates align with movement on a N/E/S/W compass. Keep a pad next to you with a list of important locations in each zone.

Roll a class that learns 'True North' and spend a gem slot on preparing it. Cast it when you need realignment. (I don't suggest his method.)

p1999 wiki has maps for almost everywhere. Back in the old days I had folders full of maps I printed from eq atlas. Now days I play in windowed mode so I can just bring up any map I need. It helps to learn how /loc works because all the maps have coordinates. Also, get your sense heading skill to 200 quickly. I get to 200 by the time my characters are level 6 by assigning a hot key to my left turn button. Info for all this is on the wiki.

A dropped rusty weapon will point north till you skill up sense heading enough to be reliable.

Use the wiki maps as you travel to new areas. There's a nice eqatlas mirror you can Google search to see them all in the same place. Use zonelines as markers and practice finding yourself using /loc. You can attach sense heading to a hot key (mine is usually the forward key) and it will level with you easily.

By the stars, son, by the stars.

Also the Project 1999 Wiki.

Pretend it is irl... unless you constantly use gps there, in which case yer fooked mate!

Jimjam I miss you.

Wiki maps, landmarks, max out sense heading, and admire the view.

Note that when using /loc, it lists the coordinates as y, x, and z.