getting *an unknown error* trying to join server

Seems to be happening to a few people. Likely just a loginserver issue. Wait a while and then try again.

server crashed :(

No it didn't.

Looks interesting except for the defiant part, not a big fan of random loot drops that are far better than any loot you would get off of a named.

All zone servers are taken at this time, please try again later.

1. All NPC's, besides monsters, were missing from tutorial. When dying in tutorial, was placed outside of map and unable to move. Logging out and hitting the "Enter Tutorial" button fixed this.
2. Using the #home command returned this: "All zone servers are taken at this time, please try again later."

1. The Tutorial (Mines of Gloomingdeep) had the NPCs removed because the quests are unnecessary with the armor and stuff you can acquire from drops.
Spells auto-scribe, so you don't need spell vendors.
Guards are for noobs, so no guards.
As for being placed outside of the map, I'd have to see that reproduced.
My global_player.pl automatically binds you to the Guild Lobby when you first make your character, so you should be going there upon death.

2. I had my server for testing purposes before I released it publicly.
Due to this, my dynamic zones were set to 5 by default and have since been increased to 50.

ri[pserver?