I decided to just start playing regardless of the lag, and it seems fine now for some reason. I reiterate that it has not been my system. Videos are still unwatchable and the opening ads still stutter, so I'll have to guess as to the storyline and just deal with it. I just cleared that initial forest area of beholders and goblins, and it seems I'm invincible with a combination of sideways strafing and a bow. I hope everything isn't quite so easy to dodge and kill. Dungeon Siege come to mind for anyone else? Thanks for the help, and sorry if I seemed a bit defensive.
