Jonric: What are the main options available to players with respect to their starting characters' race, class, abilities et al?

Jason Ely: We have a total of nine races; three are included in our initial launch, and the other six will be released over the next several months. The first launch of the game includes Humans, Night Elves and Orcs. Humans are your basic middle ground race. They have no special abilities while at the same time have no restrictions. Night Elves and Orcs have different pros and cons. We have will allow players to choose an initial profession of our 22. Our professions are combat-oriented, magic-oriented or deal with trade. Players are allowed to choose their own destiny as they progress. We do not lock players to a particular class but instead allow them to explore other professions as they wish.