Great items to help Newcomers - by Karla Wenders

Once upon a time, I was new to these lands also. I always like seeing new faces - I like it, even more, when they hang around and stay awhile - it makes good drinking buddies and someone to share war stories. To help encourage people to stay, I like to deck them out with some proper gear before sending them off to battle. Below are some suggestions where you can get some quick gear that doesn't take too much of your time but will mean the world to them.

Armours:

As far as heavy armours go, either the Blue Dragon Plate from the Bandit Chief on the way to the Ancient Caverns. Otherwise, buying a set of Red Dragon Plate from Gathol B is a nice option for people too.

For something a bit lighter, the Shroud of Courpous from the Plane of Courpous gives a newcomer a nice advantage.

Weapons:

This all depends on what they wish to specialise in. Both the Eccentric Swordsman and Gathol B are a good start:

Drone is a good Morningstar for a starter at +4. This is one of the best for someone who is just using a simple proficiency in weapons.

Desert Wind is another good choice as a scimitar here does decent additional fire damage.

Elzib's Pride in the Workshop is a good greatsword for those who want to push out a bit of damage.

For a ranged weapon, the Sniper's Bow from the Elderkind Plane is great for starting - unlimited ammo and easy for hit things.

If you're feeling generous, a heart sequencer with keen, bless, and darkfire is a great combo for them too. Keep in mind keen is only for slashing weapons, but this can be swapped with something else. A combination of this and a weapon from the Eccentric Swordsman can punch out some real damage for when you're new.

Rings and Amulets:

Rings of greater regeneration from Gorg if you can get them, otherwise rings or regeneration from the Frost Giants in the Giant Hills are a great starter ring.

At Gathol B, Tananda sells an +5 amulet of natural armour for quite cheap.

Boots:

A quick invisibility potion can help a new visitor run through the door north of the Seven doors, enabling them to get the Wind Walker boots. Or simply run through and smash everything for them!

Cloaks:

The quickest to fetch would be the Cloak of Shadows from Beryl - this gives a nice bonus for them.
If you have a spare cloak of the Red Sands, this might be a better option. It also puts them on the path for the Celestial Cloak.

Belt:

Clear a path for them in Gathol B for them to choose their belt. Let them know to take their time checking over the options - they only get to choose once!

Gloves:

A bit of a tough one. Velvet gloves might be nice, some Ogre Power gauntlets from the Eccentric Swordsman perhaps. If they're after something specific when it comes to stats, the Crossed Blades Castle sells a decent range for a newcomer.

Helms:

Go and belt Mar-Vell one and get his helm. The other option if you're lazier is to buy the Golden Circlet from Gathol B, that's just as good. If you're already there, Helm of the Slaad also.

Additional ways to help them are assisting with a Portal Stone (or even a Keeper Stone if they're getting a bit tougher and ready for the Elderkind Planes.) Direct them to the library, throw them a bone when they're trying to do the 12 Secrets, point them in the right direction when you can. Ultimately, it is the people here that make this place. Just five minutes of your day could mean the world to the new guy.

Great book, I'm sure new players will find this helpful
Karla wenders has received a publishing contract for this book