People playing the single version will learn it on the first page of the manual. The multi-player main story line changes due to events in the realm. But overall, a plot is going on and it is up to the player to find out what. You will be able to adjust the hair and we hope skin color. Your skills are given to you, but you do get a few spare points to decide which ones you wish to advance.
Most skills are unique to each class, but some cross over.
There are some skills you can acquire throughout the realm. Then a unique random quirk will be given to you. Your race will determine what your bonus and weakness are when you develop your character, like a minotaur will have more might but less speed. Also, certain races cannot be certain classes. Character development is done by experience.