How do I make this game enjoyable for new players?

[ManticSquee]

I would have to agree with twinking them if you want them to stick around. Having come from more modern games, they might be expecting a lot more in the way of speed and convenience than EQ has to offer. Twinking will help take some of the early level sting out of it. Playing together + twinking I believe they might enjoy it more. Those that have played before have more motivation to push through early levels from scratch because of the memories it brings back.