When you come out of Ascalon for the first time into Lakeside County feeling completely naked and helpless, don't worry. You'll meet a fellow who will give you your first weapon (minimal damage) and your first assignment, murdering a few hapless skales up the road along a river to your left. After killing two or three, you are then supposed to return to him to get your reward, plus xp points. Don't. Just cross the river heading SE and go up several small hills until you see two green dots on your radar-screen. That would be Sir Gaban and his manservant, standing in front of a cave full of devourers.

Don't talk to them. Just enter the cave. You'll find at least one or two "hidden" stashes that drop items and weapons 3-4 damage points more than the starter-weapon crap you get as a newbie. Most of the devourers are not aggressive and are easy to kill. By the time you clear the cave you will have earned a lot of xp points and picked up a backpack full of items and weapons. Afterwards, if you want the extra xp (150) talk to Sir Gaban who will give you a very easy quest. You will also receive two devourer eggs. Keep them for use for the Pitney quest. Pitney is the one standing near Devona in the village just outside Ashford Abby.

Not a bad start for a newbie by the time you return to claim your "reward" from the person who gave you your starter-weapon.