How to get started?

Okay. I started a monk character and ran around for a while attacking creatures. I'm at level one and on the second monk quest where you go into the catacombs with the Abbot. So far, we keep getting killed. Are there any walkthroughs or tutorials? Any advice on how to learn this game?

The easiest way to get through the Catacombs is just to follow the Abbot's lead, since he's stronger, he tends to wipe out the undead that you happen across in one attack. If you need to attack them, the Bane Signet skill that you get from Mhenlo does considerable damage to them (Holy damage type gets a bonus vs. Undead.) Other then that, the only thing you should be concerned with primarily is keeping yourself and Paulus alive with Orison of Healing as you run through the poison. If you stop on the stairs after he picks up the relic, he'll usually wait before running in again, giving you time to recover health and energy before going back at it.
Mostly, just focus on keeping the both of you alive while you follow him around, and you should get through it alright.

Thanks Spooky. I finished the catacomb quest and did some more exploring of the land. Now I'm doing the first warrior quest and trying to clear the C?-nasties out of the the vinyard. I'll read all the threads on this forum to get more tips & tricks.