Thanks for the nice words, it's really appreciated. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a new player with a fresh perspective following you. The energy you bring really revives the game.

First question - no, I was just being cheeky. I had plans to do some global echoes, plus Baer has a little spiel she gives to her age dying favorites, and it would have been nice to hold your hand as you went. Nothing you can control however. I play a lot, but I'm pretty much always sleeping from about 9 central to 6. And, as Daevryn can tell you, I take my sleepings very seriously.

Second question, I think you should mix it up and play something different. Maybe try playing an assassin if you want to stay in melee range, start to get a feel for the different skills of the game. A shifter is also a really good way to try out mages, and especially work through some PK at hero range. Not that shifters aren't viable before then, but they really shine once they get their final forms. If you join Fort again (I assume you will for your first few caballed chars before you decide you want to try another cabal) people will help you find your wands. I don't think wands are mandatory, but they help and they add an interesting aspect to the combat of the game.

As far as following Baer again goes...well, I did have Zulg code me up a questform black jaguar that I've been dying to give to a worthwhile follower....but in all honesty I would suggest you try a different religion. If you like me in particular, note that I also play Rayihn. She's, uhm, a little more easy going than Baer, but it is also pretty easy to fit her religion into the Fort. For day times, I see Whyisdan a lot, Marcatis is good if you like pontificating, Jasthrean is good if you like loud noises for some reason, and Enlilth is good for snuggles. Ray I play in the evenings while wrangling my 18 month old.

Good luck on whatever you decide, and thanks for ALSO being seriously awesome.

There will be no white flag above my door. - Dido