The server is always up unless there is maintenance. I rarely find myself getting DCed unless its a prob with my net. There are lags sometime but the admin makes sure to restart the server to avoid the lag. The community is friendly, whenever a new player has questions, I see that the players help them. GMs give events almost everyday to help players (especially the new ones) get items and refines. These events only require level 1 novice unless its a major event. :D