Quickly gave up on commerce after i lost goods because of head on bandits. First tip? don't go into commerce if you don't have good combat skills, you will regret it.
Trying my luck with shadow missions to get an Arat Crystal drop. I`m loosing faith pretty fast with this game i have to say, six hours old and the grind+losses feel like a bad joke. Hope this changes with shadows
While it often isn't exactly self-evident, Mabinogi can be a pretty harsh master in that it demands certain strategies for certain situations. One of these instances is the early game, and this is especially true for first-timers.
Alchemy is not and has never been the ideal starting talent. For starters, it requires a great deal of crafting to be cost efficient, which in turn relies on other abilities and a consistence income of resources for a foundation. What's more, some of the skills rely on progressing through a "Generation" (plot series) that is generally better left until you've reached an intermediate level. On top of that, by their very nature 1.) Alchemy is a support skill meant for use in groups and/or with the Close Combat skillset (which serves as the staple of the game), and 2.) many aspects of the game are meant to be enjoyed with multiple players, more strictly so I think, than is typically the case in your typical western MMO.
Seriyu often refers to Mabinogi as "a slow-burning game" and I think he's absolutely correct. Once you are hooked by all the tiny little features, the clunky but still satisfying smash n' bash combat, and the artistic flair, it holds you fast. The key is first falling in with a pack of comrades who are willing to help you along and share your experiences until you reach that point where you can solo more and more of the activities that await.
I could recommend any number of little things to help get your bearings, but I suggest you log in sometime during the mid-day or early evening PST and speak to someone in person. Seriyu in particular is really knowledge on the ins and outs of the... everything, and would be the man to speak to about alchemy!