ToME: the Tales of Maj'Eyal

I tried this class, was an elf. Game started me in the east. I checked out several dungeons they were level 35 or so and I ran out upon seeing the first monster so far above me in level. Died to an orc patrol of level 25 orcs I couldn't avoid. I died the same way i started - at level 1.

WTF? Where are you supposed to go to start the game, get some levels and equipment? I don't get it.

Try reading the starting info and checking your journal.
There is a side passage on the right of the Gates of Morning that leads to your first zone.

Murder Aeyrn! The insurrection is reborn! Viva la révolution!

Even knowing that there was a quest to do, the first time I tried Sun Paladin I remember being very confused when I couldn't find any new caves on the world map. Might be handy if there was a high-level guard that asked you if you were really sure about wandering out into the deadly wilderness when you had something (inexplicably) safer to do nearby.

Had the same thing happen to me. It could definitely be made more clear.