Where does the character start of in the server? How do you choose a locale to come from that would fit with a starting character. There seems to be a current running history IG which is not readily accessible. The world is pretty large as well.
Beginning characters start in either the more LG city of Port Hempstead or the more TN city of Fort Vehl [their choice at start]. Obviously a relatively good character of a peaceful race could start at either, but those characters with a shadier history or those of a monsterous race would chose Fort Vehl. Resources and beginner levels quests are available in both areas with a common meeting ground [ Stormcrest guides] placed inbetween.
The world is large and varied and as much as the project team tries we have not as yet updated the handbook, but the current handbook at least gives you a starting point. If there are major faux pas in your story, the character approval team will point them out and offer you remedies on how to incorporate them into the current game situation.
2. What's the recommended background overall that works with most classes/races? It seems the more information given the more questions it raises.
Each character is their own story. We just ask that they abide to some basic guidelines.
1>No noble or prestegious ancestory claims.
2>Skill present in the bio fit with those of a level on character - ie you could be a grunt in the army, but you are unlikely to be a general. You might be a wizard's apprentice, but not an archmagi
3>The bio reasonably explains the characters views on the world such that we can see the reasoning for the chosen alignment. Aligments that are easier to play get more leeway and ones that are more complex and difficult need more explaination. This is one reason why the Evil and CN alignments are restricted and as a new player not available to you at this time.
4> The chosen class must be explained in the biography. If you are a sorceror you should mention when your talents became aparent and perhaps how you feel about that. Approval for a multiclass must explain each classes talents and how they relate to the character. No prestige classes are ever approved at the first submission.
5> If you are applying for a special subrace, the bio must reflect why this character concept only works for that subrace and not the ordinary one. As such the bios for such characters tend to be longer and more detailed
6> If you submit a devote character you must start in the bio your intent to follow the dogma of your chosen god(dess) and your character's interpretation of the dogma. Non devote characters can chose a deity, but it should be a reflection on the character. For example an elf worshipping a dwarven god takes a bit more explaining as does a lawful character devote to a diety known for chaos.
More help can be found here :
http://forums.layonara.com/character-submissions/114377-guidelines-characters-submissions-prestige-classes-other-information.html
4. If you decide to multi class, how is it approached IG and how should it be shown in the biography? If you can't foresee a different path when your level 1 IC, how do you apply to gain that other class?
Multiclassing after the initial submission is not difficult. Characters develop and sometimes in ways we never imagine at creation. To multiclass your character after creation you should have an up to date character development journal that chronicles your character's thoughts and such - this helps the GM team understand the motivations of your character since we can't watch everyone all the time. Also utilizing the role play of other players in the developement of your multiclass skills in the form of an "apprentice" or the like works too. When you decide to multiclass you submit and updated bio, link to your CDJ and ask that your mentors vouch for you and gain approval -BEFORE- you take the new class. Multiclassing can also be done as the result of a character development quest. When you multiclass you must keep in mind the rule of 5 levels in each class before level 20.
Also see here
http://forums.layonara.com/character-submissions/114377-guidelines-characters-submissions-prestige-classes-other-information.html
5. Are level 1 characters treated as initiates? If so, how much of the time line affects the age of a starting character? (eg. Start of as a young person not affected by history, older characters must have knowledge of current IG world history)
Most starting characters are younger, but they don't have to be. Just like people in their 40's decide to enter university, a middle-aged woman might have a life changing experience that causes her to take the adventurers path and develop the skills required to become one. Age does not give you any starting advantages, neither does youth. No child characters are approved and you must start as at least the mimimum starting age for your race as noted here:
Races of Layonara in this post:
http://forums.layonara.com/character-submissions/114377-guidelines-characters-submissions-prestige-classes-other-information.html An older character would not necessarily have more knowledge of the world. Layonara is based on a fantasy medieval world where most commoners never venture more than 40 miles from the place they were born.
I hope this information helps and welcome to Layonara.
// plz excuse the typos - working sans spellcheck tonight.