Experinceing the grandfather of MMOs!

[Corkscrew]

Howdy everyone! first off let me just say that im am amazed at the level of time and energy that must have been spent by everyone in this comunity to bring this project to life! I am supper impressed with what i've seen so far and have no doubt that my experience will be the same that my friends have had who go on and on about how great Everquest was!

This brings me to my first topic. Im currently a WOW player and as much as I love WOW. I feel as tho it's gotten a little to rinse and repeat for me. I will still continue to play it and such but it seems whenever someone complains about wow they will praise Everquest for what it did right that wow does wrong. So please forgive me if I compare things to wow alot because that's what I know!

Since EQ is widely regarded as one of the best MMOs ever made I feel obligated to give it a chance and see what it's like! Since I don't want to ruin my experience or the experience of others through my noobness I'd figure i'd ask the community a few qustions instead of diving right in with no knowledge of how to progress or even what im doing.

So with that being said please help me with the following questions!

1) When can you start doing "end game content" Like raids?
2) What class should I start with? (after doing some research on this topic Monk Seems very appealing. That Fegin death ability seems like it would allow me to get out of super sticky situations not to mention they seem to be pretty wanted in groups.)
3) how is in game buying/selling done? (I'm aware of the Bazzar but I don't belive that was implemented in the first expansion)
4) With an average amount of playtime say 4+ hours a day. How long will it take me to reach cap?
5) what's the player base like?
6) Is there an In game map or will I have to use websites like EQ Atlas?
7) What classes are good for beginner players
8) is there any sort of "Hearth" system in game or do you have to walk EVERYWHERE
9) what happens if you don't go back to your body after you die?
10) Are Epic items implemented?
11) This one will sound odd but i'm a sucker for vanity items. Items and gear that serve no practical pourpous but are interesting or have a unique effect. Things like vanity pets or toys and such. Are items like that In EQ?
12) as far as endgame content what is there to do?
13) is player housing implemented?
14) just how steep is the learning curve?
15) any other tips for someone just starting out who doesn't wana get completely wrecked in the first 5 minutes of play?

I've familiarized myself with the server rules as-well and will try my absolute best to not ruin anyone elses time. Thanks so much and I look forward to playing with you all!