I'd simply like to say that, if you haven't at least tried Elysium, you're honestly missing out on a lot. I'm not going to tell you about the game, because Doogan and Vardonyth's reviews are very adequate descriptions, but I will say that this is, indeed, a game like no other out there. -Honestly, if there is something similar to this, please comment this review and tell me what it is.-

Like the other reviewers said, you're free to be who you want. If you're a Bard with kleptomaniac tendencies, then learn songs and thievery. There are no levels, no experience. It all boils down to lessons.

But the most important thing that will keep you in Elysium is the roleplaying. City politics, guild politics, friends, and enemies are what has kept me coming around for 9 years. If you've never played a game where you actually had an opinion about which city is the strongest, which Emperor is the greatest, or which God is the right-est (*grin*), then it's never too late to try Elysium.

As a tip for a new guy starting out, when you're done with the newbie academy, hit 'cwho' to see if there's anyone in your city online, and ask 'em some questions. I guarantee you, they're dying to answer.