So far I haven't died, and most of the players I've ran into seem friendly and helpful. My friend and I found each other pre-party arrows by spiraling and counter-spiraling in the general spawn area. I thought this was fun, and added to the game. Before we'd met up we had a chance to learn things at our own pace and not fight for resources. Long distance party arrows are a mistake, IMO. Anyways...
We met up, and started to trek off into lesser traveled lands. Met some people, and bodies..

Our first temporary camp we decided to setup near a swamp, as dragonflies are fairly consistent LP. This would also be a test for area traffic as swamps are sought after, and we were somewhat near the water. Neither of us had Yeomanry so we simply had to hope nobody stumbled across our camp or robbed us.

Day two at the temporary camp, no signs of life. We managed to get quite a bit done without even having a claim up. It's all about how you hide yourself people.

The area was secure, we decided to use this camp as a foothold in the region. While seeds and skins were drying, we were confident enough to trek an hour or more away finding a suitable place for a more permanent camp.

Things were going well.

With the help of horses, we got shit done. We unloaded the old camp.

A bit later, I decide to re-visit the camp.

Now we're cookin' with gas!

My bonus, first ever marksman kill. (Yeah, yeah, I'm a combat newb!)

All in all, I don't think its too bad for someone that has never fully grasped this game. Hermit life.