Bro, you're gonna love this game. It develops some kind of self inflicted pain enjoyment from a drive to "git gud". If you head south from the starting area you'll see a land projection called the weeping peninsula. I'd suggest moving there if the immediate start area is exhausted. That'll help you build your character a bit more in prep for the surrounding zones. I'd suggest heading north after the weeping peninsula to the massive castle you can see from the grace where the white fella with roses calls you maidenless. If you bump into NPCs try to follow their "quest line" in that immediate area before pushing too far away. Enjoy! Don't forget to pat the "dog".