Thanks everyone for all the input. I now have a couple of goals for the
near term (it's much more fun to play when you have some objective).
First I'll concentrate on getting level 8 (I'm halfway there now), then
I'll head over to either Queynos or Kelethin (from Freeport) to get the
Kelin's Lament song. I've travelled to Kelethin many times to sell
small patchwork. It's a pretty easy, but very boring, trip. That boat
trip is a killer. First wait up to 20 minutes for the boat, then
another 20 riding the boat. What fun. With Selo's is travelling to
Queynos a better or worse plan? I have maps, but I've never actually
made the trip. I'm only familiar with the area from West Karanas to
Queynos. I've thought about doing a poor man's gate to get back. Put
all my stuff in the bank and then commit suicide. (Isn't reincarnation
great?)

Once I have lament, I'll try to join some orc camping parties in East
Commonlands. I joined my first party a couple of nights ago and had a
blast, although I died a lot. I got the distinct feeling that the orcs
hated me the most when I had my drum equipped, whether I was playing or
not. Perhaps it was just my imagination or a conincidence.

Now the hard thing will be balancing the need to save money for a
combine weapon and using money to build up my smithing skills (lvl 43
right now). I really want to be a master smith too, which is why I
chose to start in Freeport. I think I'll go the route of the smith,
then once I can make/sell banded I can buy the combine weapon.

Look for JxJerrilia tomorrow afternoon at Jackalstock. Although I did
not know Jx, I'm happy to pay him tribute, and I'm looking forward to
meeting other bards. I hope to see you there.

Jerrilia, bard of the 7th song.