New to guild wars, basically

I used to play 4 years ago a little, but then stopped. I'm trying it out again and it's basically a brand new game.

I have a 2 characters that are level 15 or 20, so I guessed got somewhat far (or maybe not). I got some items I kept on them. I have a few other level 1 characters. They have 4 years worth of birthday presents that I never opened. I got a couple of purple and green ones, whatever that means.

Otherwise, I have no idea what I'm doing, and I thought I'd just make a new character since I wouldn't know what to do with the higher level ones as I am not totally comfortable with the UI yet.

Anyway, I have the original game and Factions when I signed up in 2006. The other expansion wasn't out yet at the time, and I don't think I'm going to get it unless I've played at least 40 hours and I'm enjoying it.

What class should I play? Does it matter?

What is some good advice for a new player? Point me in the right direction?

You can sell those pets to get a nice pot of money to help you out. I enjoy all the classes personally, so go to the profession specific subforums on this site and read the sticky posts that have the "Basic guide to playing x". That will help you get a feel for what the play style will be for each profession. Otherwise, the best thing you can do if find a friendly guild willing to help out a new player. You'll be a pro in no time!

Is there an auction house where I can see how much they are worth and easily trade them, or do I really have to understand the economy?

There is a thread in the "Price Check" section in Ventari's Corner here that has minipet prices listed.

And no, there is no AH, trading is done via the Trade channel or on forums such as this one.

Interesting. I got a krinn (or kirinn), mad king thorn and a koss. The mad king one said it was worth 80-100k? Crazy.

edit: I also got a prince Rurik and some joko character too

Lucky you, more than enough to supply you with max armor / weapons.

Luuuuucky. You'll have a much easier time starting out (or, coming back and restarting fresh) than another new player.

Sort of neglected your orginial post, in terms of what you should make, it depends on what you want to do really.

For most "endgame" teams, people will do speedclears or scs, which usually involve shadow form assassins, although this isn't fun for alot of players. (myself included)

The other option for endgame stuff is to join a guild and do balanced / physical-way. Which usually involves a few Warriors frontlining with the rest of the team buffing them up (Necros, Ritualists etc) and then monks on the backline keeping everyone up.

If you need help in game, with selling the items (ill find a buyer for you, not taking the items...) just hit me a pm (message) on Oscar The Lord!

1. If you are planning on getting Eye of North, AND guild wars 2 i suggest you not sell the minis. There's a feature called the hall of monuments where you can fill it with things you acquired in the game, like minis, armour, weapons, heros, etc. You will be able to "inherit" somethings in GW2 from GW1 if they are in the hall. Anet has not been specific on what these things are or how it will work exactly.

For more info check out GW wiki: http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Hall_of_Monuments

2. Don't delete any of your characters because when they turn 5 years old they will get 5th year minis which are worth a lot more (because they are even rarer then the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. year minis).

3. If you have a low level necromancer, mesmer, elementist, or monk (i.e casters) i recommend you play with them (a warrior is very hard to play and requires dedicated learning, a ranger is sort of useless for advanced places like fissure of woe) and finish the storylines of prophecies and factions. There are plenty of newbies and returnees to the game and you can find veterans also that will help you finish the missions.

4. Join a guild that will help you and answer question. You will enjoy the game that much more if you understand how to play and what to do when you get bored.

Edit: #3, also a ritualist and assassin are good choices. An assassin is more fun (i hear). I personally don't have any of the expansions.

If he is in need of money, I wouldn't hesitate to sell the mini's. Birthday mini's do nothing but decrease in value over time and he can always fill his hall with cheap mini's later on.

Rarity of items is often shown by the color of the text:

Green = most rare
Gold = more rare
Purple = rare
Light Blue = less common
White = common

Value is not always determined by rarity.

If you decide to create a new character, let me know in-game. I am pretty new and have a couple classes I have yet to try and you may just give me the reason to do so.

My in-game characters are:
Sir Gelotri Derien (Warrior)
Master Beltronis (Elementalist)
Melfor Tresomme (Ranger)
Brother Michaels (Monk)