Thanks to everyone, especially
Farael and
CaptainOfDespair for all the great info -- who knew there'd be this much activity on this thread? I've not received a beta invite yet, but I'm still hoping. I've *never* played in an MMO before (well, as an excuse I can only say that I'm nearly 45 years old, with a job, wife, kids...my free time is very limited...) but I'm seriously considering making an exception for this one.
I doubt very much that I'll take the founder's deal, but I'd gladly be a part of the Barrow-Downs Troupee...hey waitaminit...I'm almost bald enough to wear a troupee...