I just got the intro code and downloaded the game last night (thank God for AT&T pushing the internet speed upgrade for free!) and I logged in enough to go through the character creation process since I read it was unique.

Unique is an understatement. But I love it. So, as I prepare myself to go home tonight, send my wife to the spa to get some time to play, I come and humbly ask... what should I do to get started?

Now, a little background. In my past life as a college/graduate student, I was a hardcore raider with EQ/WoW (respectfully). I have no interest in doing that anymore, nor would my wife let me. Since then, I've played all sorts of MMOs - everything from Star Trek to Star Wars, Rift to City of Heroes/Villians. Probably the most I got into any of them were Rift and Star Wars, the former because the end-game was so forgiving (Group Finder/Expert/Master modes were great) and the latter due to the great story. I'm encouraged that the game seems to have a story aspect to it and reading the threads here, I like that gaining experience isn't just killing stuff...

Now, all that said - what class should I pick up? In EQ I played a Wizard, WoW everything (main was a Rogue, though), Rift was a Marksman/Assassin (souls made that great), Star Wars a Counselor/Sorcerer... so I can say I'm familiar with most playstyles. But what would you recommend I pick up to get into the game?

Any quick tips for the first few hours in the world?

Thanks a ton!