I just started the aveyond free trial and couldn't figure out what to do next. So a couple questions.
I didn't see save option, did I miss it? game wouldn't allow me to continue quest, had to start over. Also, is there a map of the land or is it just explore and go? One last question, is there a way to play w/mouse instead of keyboard and if not how do you like playing w/keyboard versus mouse? The last one is something i consider before purchasing game.
Thanks!

1. Press ESC, and towards the end of the menu is a save button. I suggest using a couple different slots in case you run into a problem(that way you may have an earlier save before the problem, whether game-related, or game plot(e.g. monster fighting) related.
 
2.It's all explore and go, unless you want a map. If you keep getting lost, or just want to know where you're going, register at www.amaranthgames.com and enter the AV1: Rhen's Quest section of the Village Square. There's maps and walkthroughs pinned to the top of the forum.
 
3.It depends on what version of AV1 you have. I don't think Build A has a mouse feature, but Builds B and C do. To see which version you downloaded, look at the bar at the top of the window when the game first loads. It'll say something like "Aveyond-Rhen's Quest Build A, B, or C.
  Since this is a deciding factor for you, if you've downloaded Build A, then buy the game from Amaranth directly. They make sure all their games are kept up to date with the latest versions and patches, whereas portals(like Big Fish) do not. Shockwave(or Real Arcade, I forget which) gets the game and never updates, so it's important to check the version. Build A has more bugs, since it's the first version, but Build B(and therefore C) have virtually none.
   I really hope you decide to buy the game! You'll be glad you did!

Sorry, forgot about the Keyboard vs. Mouse part of the question.
I've always liked playing Aveyond games with the keyboard. I have a laptop, so using the mouse is less accurate, and after a short time, you get so good with the keys that you don't even really think about it. It's much easier to move with them since you need to keep moving the mouse to keep your characters from overrunning it's location and moving the wrong way. You can more easily click on something you don't want to click on(like the Items button instead of the Attack button in battle). Overall, it's just easier to press the left arrow for left, right for right, etc., and it's simpler to interact with objects/people/confirm decicions with the Enter or Spacebar keys. My advice is to try playing the game using both methods and see which one you like better. Have fun!

Thanks for your help. I probably will buy it since so many people seem to like it. I used to see something I thought I would like, but was disappointed a few times. Then I would go to different sites to get as much info as possible.
 
PF  has been the best as a lot of people, including you, get specific and really thorough with your likes/dislikes, answers and go the extra mile to help the rest of us. It is much appreciated. Thank you.

Explaining things is genetic for me...everyone on my dad's side explains everything even when no one wants them to! lol!
But anyway, I'm glad to be of service to you! I wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself playing it over and over again just to get to every last nook and cranny.
 
And one last thing: after you've played through once, maybe you'd like to try downloading some of the goodies from www.amaranthgames.com? They're really neat, especially the second faceset(which can replace the anime-type faces with 3d-type faces.) I'd reccommend the faces even for the first time playing, since you can look at both sets before playing and see which ones appeal more. ;)
Have fun playing!