Newbie looking for pointers

stevo86

Title pretty much says it all. I'm pretty new to mmorpg's in general. I've never played one for more than a month and I've never played one I have to pay for. However, DAoC looks awesome and I think I'll really like it. I've downloaded the trial version and will start playing it tomorrow (after my last final exam) and had a few questions before I start.

First of all I was wondering which class would suit me best. I kinda want to play on Hibernia because my friend started there a few days ago. I'd like to be an archer, but if that's a bit much for a total noob i'm down with a melee chara or a caster.

Next I was wondering if there were any recommendations for a build on the class i choose. Looking for something geared towards RvR.

Also wanted to know some info on "buffbots". I don't know what they are but they seem to be a cause for concern...

Also wondering if the race you choose does anything to your stats? or is it just a personal choice for looks.

Finally, do you guys think this game will still be kicking when warhammer comes out?? I realize i'm late getting into it haha, like 4 years late... but it still looks like a game I would be interested in. Thanks for any and all info.

Echani

Before I address some of the questions in your post I'd like to point out a few resources that would be great for you to have as you start out.
mmorpg.com - Great site, rather friendly forums in general.
daoc.catacombs.com - Character builders and some great class specific forums
camelotherald.com - Official Mythic DAoC site, great info there on just about anything.

"First of all I was wondering which class would suit me best. I kinda
want to play on Hibernia because my friend started there a few days
ago. I'd like to be an archer, but if that's a bit much for a total
noob i'm down with a melee chara or a caster."

Hibernia has an archer class that is pretty good, Rangers. They start out as stalkers so that is your base class. Good all around and a nice choice. Excellent range and decent melee abilities as well.  One thing I would say is get in an established guild early, it can make or break your DAoC experience.

"Next I was wondering if there were any recommendations for a build on
the class i choose. Looking for something geared towards RvR."

There are a few specs for Rangers that are good for RvR, I'd suggest you head on over to catacombs and check them out for yourself.  Ive heard alot about Melee rangers with high Pathfinding. Here is one option.
Lurikeen Ranger Specialization at 50
48 Pathfinding
34 Stealth
12 Bow
27 Celtic Dual
39 Pierce


"Also wanted to know some info on "buffbots". I don't know what they are but they seem to be a cause for concern..."

Buffbots are a non-played account that just sits there and makes the main played character better.  This is a seperate account paid for that will allow the person(s) being buffed to have an advantage against non-buffed (buff means a spell cast to enhance you) players.  If you are concerned about this there are some servers that have rules in place to help limit the viability of buff-bots, these are labled classic servers.  These servers also do not have access to the Trials of Atlantis expansion but as you are just starting out they may have alot of appeal to you.

"Also wondering if the race you choose does anything to your stats? or is it just a personal choice for looks."

Yes, race will effect your stats.  Celts are the basic race for Hibernia, Lurikeens are a small quick low hitpoint race, Firbolgs are high hitpoint btu slower creatures, etc...

"Finally, do you guys think this game will still be kicking when
warhammer comes out?? I realize i'm late getting into it haha, like 4
years late... but it still looks like a game I would be interested in.
Thanks for any and all info."

I think this game will be around for a while, when War comes out there will be a draw on population but with some possible marketing (i.e. play WAR and DAoC for one fee) or just time people will still play DAoC. 

I hope this is of help.

P.S. if you are on either Lamorak or Ector send me a tell, I've been leveling up an animist on ector, jsut type "/send Hereshroomy-Ector Heya" and if I'm on I'll answer some more questions for ya.