I agree, there needs to be some sort of interactive "tutorial" but I also like the current being thrown right into the world feel the alpha currently has.
the starting area could be modified with mini quests that introduce gathering (looting, moving, looking for objects) and crafting (to prepare for your journey with more than just your starting equipment) like a mini scouting quest.
As far as Cyseal not having combat quests, I think it's just fine there may be some areas with no enemy units too start with in the game as it actually gives you breathing room to RP in a *gasp* RPG. Being that this is an open world RPG not just in physical map size and layout but in what you can do - how you can interact with the world, if Cyseal is really that boring, you can always create combat by attacking folks you don't much care for yourself.
