Any tips for a complete newbie just getting started?

[svayvti]

Well it depends on what you want to do in the game.

Fighters/Mages are obviously combat professions and skills. Fighters have the option of the tanking role while mages have the option of the healer role.

Harvesters are a good skill for those people who like to explore.

Crafting is good for social people, as you'll have to be social to be self-proficient if you're not taking the very slow road of supplying yourself.

You can buy pets that act as a mobile bank and mounts to ride on (though I still dont' think they're working yet). I expect more development on animals in the future.

You can not tame wild creatures, at least not yet.