This is the general quick start guide that gets linked for new players:
http://s3.pinback.net/qudguide.html
In short…
- Make a True Kin and put all your points into strength and toughness
- Choose a complimentary caste like Praetorian
- Start in Joppa, talk to people to get quests
- Loot the unattended chests by closing doors beforehand. This lets you complete the first two quests from Argyve.
- Visit the Dromad merchant to stock up on supplies. Sell stuff you got from the chests to buy the best armour and weapon you can afford
- Rust Wells is a good starting quest, it’s a bit easier than Red Rock. You can get up a couple levels first by exploring the surrounding swamps and hitting the local wildlife (glowfish and glowpads, avoid the alligators)
- Use < and > to go to the world map and back. You can use l on this screen to look around, you’ll see Rust Wells to the right
- Alt is the most important key, as it declutters the screen
- Never hold a direction key down - press w then a direction instead
- Harvest and Butchery are good skills because they’ll provide food and healing
Then this guide on the Wiki goes into a bit more depth:
https://cavesofqud.fandom.com/wiki/Beginner's_Guide