Curious....

I noticed on the exp bar there's a solid line that's my actual accumulated exp, and a longer faded section. Why is this?

That faded bit is what is known as bonus or rested XP. You gain it by logging out in cities or places known as sanctuaries, basically anywhere with a large aetherite crystal. Next time you're logged in and in town/a sanctuary, look at your XP bar and you'll notice a little crescent moon.

You kinda posted in the wrong section lol

if you have more questions post in "new player help"