Tempted by this but never played a CRPG / D&D and have no clue. How is this for total beginners?
The (D&D)-mechanics behind it all are probably very complex, but in my view the game does a decent job in being as simple to play as possible. I have played lots of CRPGs, but I'm in no way an expert as I can't really be arsed learning all the intricate mechanics of every set of rules be that D&D or other RPG-models (or whatever you call them). So, you can just play the game without bothering too much about all the details and without knowing everything about the rules. This might also be the best way to get into the whole thing. Just play the game. When you start a new one, you have the possibility to create your own character or to pick an "origin character". Those are characters who are pre-made, i.e. they already have a class, skills and character stats plus abilities that fit their class. You can pick one of them and just start playing without bothering with character creation, so you can get a feel for the game. You could still start over again after an hour or two, if you want to use a character you've created from scratch yourself. Again, there are loads of videos out there explaining what you should be looking at when you're creating a character (i.e. what classes are easy to play with, what stats are important for which class and what decisions you can make in terms of race, abilities).
What I like about the game, that the group mechanics aren't as important as in other RPGs. You don't need specialised characters for different roles, for example a guy who's only role is to heal everyone or someone who's there to get hit by the enemy. You can have a group of four characters who can basically kick arse, but also look after themselves at the same time. That helps a lot, when you're learning to play the game. And I think playing is simply the best way to learn the game.
