' It seems to me that thera is filled with a bunch of people that like to walk down the street and kill random people only because they can. '

That's partially correct. And as you can basically deduce in advance a little already from the fact that 1) the place has actually been named 'The Carrion Fields', 2) by the fact that you are greeted at the log-in by a grinning skull(!) and 3) how actually logging in requires you to provide an answer to the question "By what name do you wish to be mourned?" each time.

The pure PK scene of this MUD can be a bit unforgiving and relentless, and I'd say that this is very much by design in order to cater to the needs of those who tend to like such a set-up. Ironically enough however, it doesn't change a thing to the fact that it still is but one aspect of the game as a whole. I'll elaborate a little.

As a new player who is first confronted by the more or less cutthroat nature of CF its PKing scene, you'll find yourself with two basic options. Either you recognize that as a newcommer you'll almost always find yourself being outclassed by people who have been doing this thing (a lot) longer than you have, and thus you take your losses and go with it, inadvertently learning a great deal in the process and gradually becoming better yourself. Your second option however is to take a largely evasive path from the PKing scene by playing classes that have the ability to effectively conceal themselves from many other player characters, and then use that breathing room to familiarize yourself with they lay-out of the world and to tentatively experiment with playerkilling at your own pace and when you want it to happen, rather than being in constant danger of being jumped by someone else when you aren't prepared for it in any way.

Membership of certain cabals can aid a new player a great deal in both of these two approaches. The Heralds of the Eternal Star for example will provide you with quite a safe place to retreat to at all times, namely the Inn of the Eternal Star itself, as this area is constantly guarded against aggressors while as an inducted Herald you'll have the option to throw any aggressors out the door instantly. It typically is also a place of in-game discussion, meaning there's potentially much to be learned from asking and listening alike over there. If you feel you are able of being more assertive than that however, then you can make a good-aligned character and seek to join the Fortress of the Light. For that cabal is prone to provide you with allies that will help you in many ways and also provide you with valuable information and advice if you politely ask for it.

If your largest problem with dying is attempting to regear yourself directly afterwards, then I'd suggest you read this recent post by one of the MUD's leading staff members;

http://forums.carrionfields.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=8&topic_id=8691&mesg_id=8699&page=

Oh, and be sure to post your first ever kill on the log board by the way. Not so much for the community, but rather for youself so it becomes archived and you have the opportunity to look back at it at any time. It's a lovely way to measure your progress.

Best of luck and all that. And welcome aboard, by the way.