Returning player

I'm a returning player from the first month - I've read the updates etc (sort of understanding them) and just logged on to check out what is new etc.

I have a 17 physical level and various melee ranks of which gladiator is highest at 20 (I think - I've exited the game at this current time). My race is one of the giant guys.

I'm starting back up with a friend and was wanting to play a magical character this time. Further I had hoped of starting from the beginning so I can re-familiarise myself with the game.

I can not seem to find a new character button though - would I have to delete my old character first? How difficult would it be for me to just use my current char and "start" again? Lastly, would my race make much difference (I had selected it originally for tanking)?

I guess I wouldn't mind using my old char - I would get the advantage of the physical level and my crafting ranks - bit worried my race is going to prevent me from going magical though.

Thanks for any help you can give!

To create a new character, you click in an empty character slot. I think additional character slots are still free, but you have to go to the payment website to add them, because they will start costing extra later like in FFXI.

Race only affects your initial stats, which you can change as you wish using Reassign in the Point Allotment window, so choose whatever race you want.

Awesome, thanks

Race has little to no impact on your stats, as the starting stats are very similar between the races, and as you distribute stats however you like them as you gain physical levels, you can build your stats as you see fit.
Remember, you can redistribute stats as well.

If you have yet to play as a CON or THM, simply buying and equipping a weapon for either of these classes will have you "start over" as a rank 1 to play alongside your friend, while still have easy access to your current crafting.

It's also worth mentioning that having a higher physical level is a huge advantage. If you're physical level 17, and you start a level 1 job, the additional attribute points that you can add into things like Vitality, Mind, Piety, and Intelligence are going to make leveling that job much easier. It's another way SE encourages players to play other classes, rather than focusing on just one.

Welcome back to the game. Good luck!