Well, in order to really begin having tons of fun with the game, you've got to get past a period of time in which you are going to be absolutely combat ineffective. This is because you have to deal with everyone else having better killing devices and sick clothing than you, and you have to also deal with a large group of highly-skilled players that have played this mod for over a year or two. They are going to beat you in combat almost every single time both because they have a large gear and xp advantage (Really, you should only compare your skill level to another player's at level 30. Most of the players that you will see absolutely wrecking everything are 30+)
However, there is good news. After an initial investment of off-and-on playing for about 2 weeks, or rather steady dedicated playing for a week, you can start killing things. And boy, is killing things fun. As long as you overcome the initial period of "oh fuck im getting raped why is this happening", you should have an absolute blast with this game. It's really fucking amazing.
Also, you've got to refrain from gimping yourself with a "bad build". I understand that it's kinda upsetting to hear that there are only certain distributions of stats are really effective; but it's the truth. Basically, you need to stay diligently with a pre-planned build or you are going to shoot yourself right in the foot. I recommend going in the Solid Builds sticky in this subforum, they've got absolute tons of builds that are all extremely viable. I don't know anything about EU, but the Norse Horde clan puts really handy builds that are friendly for all skill-levels. Their thread (along with all other clans) will be in the Faction Hall section.
Oh, and one more thing. Don't go ranged or mounted/cavalry immediately. It is infinitely better to understand the game from an infantryman's perspective first. In addition; ranged weapons are VERY frustratingly bad in early levels, and even later levels when the ranged weapons are not heirloomed. (When someone gets above level 30, they can "retire" and receive a point that can improve any item they own. You can only use 3 of those points on any one item.)
Oh, even one more thing. The community is a bit rowdy in this game, is how I would put it. If you are extremely easily offended (I bet you're a cool-ass dude with a name like beerdrinker though) things are going to be rough unless you mute people. Also if you're upset by extremely rude or stupid people, things are going to be rough. There's a few of them running around. Sometimes it's fun to be a jackass, too. It's a really unique and hilarious community that's playing this game.
Stick with it, man. It's one of the most satisfying games that I've played.
Oh, and strategus. Simply put, play cRPG for a while, find a clan that you think is cool, join it, and have them teach you. Strategus is extremely difficult for an independent player, and unless you have intimate knowledge of strategus, it's damned impossible as a browncoat.
