I think I am going to play a half drow assassin. I generally stick with the first character I make, so I want it to be the one I want to play even if it is a bit harder. Also, I want to be in with the "bad guys" as I play evil a lot better than good.

What cabals are evil, and how does one go about joining a cabal? What cabals are the most politics intensive (I like politics.)

Making a history is hard with no resources at the moment. It's a bit frustrating that the game has been down so long. My history will probably evolve after I have played long enough to know a bit of backstory.

How does one gain skills? Is it by level?

Oh, this game doesn't have perma-death does it? If so, under what conditions?