Ryzom

As you are likely finding out even now, magicans can be weak. Good advice is to get a quality 20 magic staff crafted as soon as possible. This helps a lot.

Ask around in the region, hopefully somebody can tell you what you need to collect and can then build the item for you. I have had no problem getting gear build for me in spite of having zero craft skills.

(oh, and I also figured out how to log in)

The Mage character in SoR is a bit suky, I have level 18 in Mage and I cant wait to shed it with the new patch.
There are advisors in game and you can ask them questions, if you are too far away and have a query, Choose the Regional Tab on your Talk Bar and ask your question, you will get an answer fairly promptly. Also try to join a guild as quickly as possible, you will get more enjoyment from the game like going on hunts etc. and also have access to better weapons and armour.