Isn't there a help like in mir2 (in game, press H for help) where it explains stuff to pple new to mir.
Also, can observe players without even login in, from char select screen, right? But that's not what he is after I think.
I'd say, jump in and learn on the go. And if you never played mir, try mir2 first, it is much more simple and to make it as simple as can be, make warrior char.