Well, i'm not a new player, but my old character was somehow deleted (Maybe i tried to do it) But i've missed so much content since i only played back when the game was new.

My biggest questions are:

1. Is there a comprehensive beginners guide somewhere?
2. For a first character, what would be good to focus on to "Learn" the game?
3. I'll be playing free mostly, but i may drop 20 bucks. is there anything in the cash shop that it is recommended to get? (What are these ace/hero/elite hero differences?)
4. pets: i've been told there are some pets (including a very strong flying one available from a quest?) i should get. are they tied to a character, or a server?
5. What skills should i learn first? I loved Mabinogi when i played last, but the shear amount of skills staggered me. I understand there are multiple ways to build a character, or their popular Begginer builds?

Thanks to anyone who decides to respond to this, any help is greatly appreciated.