i like both of your ideas! i think we could start it from right after we the GM says what happened. i think maybe a month goes by, then afterwards we eventually end up joining a party then a guild. 

what lvls would you think is practical after 1 month. 20 maybe? no more than 30 to prevent op?

also im thinking no more than 6 people, including me. honestly in my experience, more than that gets way crazy.

 i'm writing down names now, so you guys are sure your in?