When you first enter Aeternum, you'll appear on one of a few beaches. These areas act as a <a action="GoToPage" data="GettingStarted_Sanctuaries">Sanctuary</a>, where other players cannot attack you as long as you are not a <a action="GoToPage" data="Mechanics_Crime">Criminal</a>.
These areas have a limited variety of resources to get you started, but won't get you very far without heading inland. Drowned Sailors raised by the Corruption of Aeternum roam these beaches, so it's best to move on quickly.