Hello from a total newb

[Ishmael]

First time EQ player, just started my Halfling Druid over the weekend and managed to ding 11.

I’d like to thank the community for all of the help so far. Everyone has been really nice and I can’t wait to pay it forward when I level up and get stronger. When I first logged in I was completely lost running around Rivervale when I higher level player handed me some plat and a nice +3 wisdom club. With the plat I was able to buy my spells and get a set of leather armor from the merchant (seems like a good idea since it sells back for almost the same amount that it costs). I’d also like to give a shout out to all of the druids in Misty Thicket giving out free buffs over the weekend. I’ve been having a blast playing so far. It’s been really rewarding learning my way around. It felt great when I was able to get to the spell merchant without getting lost.

I’m trying to decide if I should stay in mistythicket until 14 like I had originally planned or if I should head somewhere else. I had figured it would be a good idea to stay in the area until then since I’d then have some pretty key spells like spirit of the wolf and bind affinity. The only thing is that the xp seems to be slowing down a bit as the goblin camps have started to green out on me. There are spiders and other side beasts to kill, but they don’t seem to drop the most money.

I was thinking about trying to head over to Karana to kill bandits and turn in their belts for xp and cash. I would stay there until 14, gate back to pick up my spells, and go find a new zone to level in (oasis crocs maybe with charm animal?). I’m just worried about dying and losing my corpse/getting lost since this is all new to me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.s. Would killing the bandits mess with my faction in high pass hold? I’d like to start trying to get the testament of Vanear at 19. From what I’ve read the bandits there don’t start off as kos. Will killing he bandits in Karana effect that?

Thanks again