Then, you have to either kill these NPCs to get the maps or bargain for them. Races are allied with each other. Kill a member of one and find yourself at war with others.
All new parties start just outside of New City.
Through a small maze and near the river is a chest with a map that allows a character with mapping skills to bring up an auto-map. Also nearby is a starter dungeon, necessary to complete before your characters are strong enough to enter and survive in New City. They get experience by killing monsters. This experience translates to level raises. The game is non-linear, but balanced.