New player with lots of questions
For many of your questions, the Wiki (link above, or accessed in-game by typing /Wiki [topic of choice] into the chat window) is a great resource.
You would, indeed, have to do the first part of the first HoT Story Episode to unlock Masteries, though you would also need a Core or HoT Mastery Point(s) to unlock the Mastery, depending on whether the Mastery is Core Tyria or HoT.
Some players that are skilled can solo Dungeons. You can use the LFG feature to find others to play instanced-content, should you so desire.
There are many ways to make Gold; one way is to sell Gathering Materials, either from acquiring them with Gathering Tools in maps, or salvaging gear, etc.
Welcome to Tyria, and good luck.
For many of your questions, the Wiki (link above, or accessed in-game by typing /Wiki [topic of choice] into the chat window) is a great resource.
You would, indeed, have to do the first part of the first HoT Story Episode to unlock Masteries, though you would also need a Core or HoT Mastery Point(s) to unlock the Mastery, depending on whether the Mastery is Core Tyria or HoT.
Some players that are skilled can solo Dungeons. You can use the LFG feature to find others to play instanced-content, should you so desire.
There are many ways to make Gold; one way is to sell Gathering Materials, either from acquiring them with Gathering Tools in maps, or salvaging gear, etc.
Welcome to Tyria, and good luck.
Cheers!