There has to be a reason why you are all togeather, the simplest is that you are all members of one of the factions that exist in and around Pavis.
1 - Included for completeness - dont really think these would be a good idea
2 - Included for completeness - but you aint doing this!
Having decided on a faction, you can then start to pick from the vaious groups that could be part of the faction. This still leaves you with a fair degree of freedom about what you choose to do. Picking a group is an individual thing, you dont all have to be from the same group.
As opposed to most fantasy games, this isnt really based on a Medieval Europe setting. Its much closer to earlier periods (dark age / Roman empire). On a gross level you can think of the following
The game willl be based in the city of Pavis (technically New Pavis or Pavis outside the walls). Pavis is a major city of about 5-6000 people situated in the fertile Zola Fel (sometimes called the river of cradles) valley. It is currently occupied by the forces of the LunarEmpire?? which run the city. They have been in charge for a few years
Important events in the history of Pavis
New Pavis is a pit of intrigue and the place where sometime in the next few years a series of great wars will start which will become known as the Hero Wars. And you'll be there. Right at the start. In the thick of it. Bring clean underwear.
But ignoring the whole clash of empires thing, there also plenty of fun to be had in the original City of Pavis. Known locally as the Big Rubble it contains a wide variety of people, creatures and monsters. Dwarf mines, Troll strong holds, an Elf forest, ruins, tunnel complexes, chaos infestations, all can be found within its walls. Adventuring is a reasonably common occurrence with a small but regular stream of new comers to replace the regular stream of fatalities.
The city of Pavis was built on the ruins of Robcradle. Robcradle was founded to capture and rob the vast floating cradles carrying baby giants to the sea. These Cradles carried large amounts of gold, gems and magic. No cradle has been seen for centuries.
With the centuries of constant fighting large areas of the city were destroyed and the survivors built complex tunnel and defensive system. Many things have been lost, found and lost again as the fortunes of the inhabitants changed.
As the locals would say "Wanna buy a map to a hidden horde?"
Gods exist. No really. and whats more it is not beyond the realms of possibility that you might meet one if you get powerful enough. The gods are bound by somehting called "The Great Compromise" which limits their ability to directly do things in the world. Because of this their main influence on things comes through their followers.
Cult membership is very common, even membership of two or more cults (at least as lay members) is not unusual. In general cults are either place/thing or task/role based. For example -
There are many many gods for many types of roles. Figure out what you want to be and then ask your friendly referee.
There are 3 types of Magic -
Chaos exists outside the universe and is always trying to break through. Every cult has a stance on Chaos, some are inherantly Chaotic (Primal Chaos for instance), some are dedicated to its destruction (such as Stormbull), some dislike it and will fight it where ther find it (like Orlanth) whilst some embrace it as part of the natural order of things (like Seven Mothers).
One of the things that enables the Lunar empire to be successful is its use of Chaos creatures and magic. This is also what makes resistance to them so fierce!
Chaos creatures and followers are not necessarily evil, however a significant number of them are not very pleasant to say the least.