To be fair, lots of GMs will let you make NPCs if you just want to get a flavor for RP in a few different places at once: It'd let you get a good sense of whats going on in the setting in lots of different places.
If you decide you like playing one in particular, you could graduate them into a full blown character.
I suggest you look up plots and talk to different GMs, in PM or online and ask about this. Keep in mind, the pacing of many plots is quite sporadic.
If you want to be occupied constantly, you have two options:
- Join a small fast-paced plot, doing roleplay with a small number of the same people who are around a lot...
- Join up to three regularly paced plots, participating in all three as separate characters, or "versions" of the same, if you can fudge it in your character write-up.
Welcome and have fun, okay?
Your best bet, honestly? Get on the IRC and
start asking questions. People love having a new guy around and revealing all the cool stuff that happens here. Dat sense of wonder. You'll never get it back, you know?
*cackle*
Srsly though. Welcome aboard :3