the server is just a server, there are many of them on the game. They are basically just there to distribute the large amount of players that roam around the world . As for starting positions there are three cities to choose from
1)Windurst:My desired destination,some say its the best choice for casters
2)Bastok,some say its the best for warriors
3)Sandoria
The race Hume is the all rounder of all the races, reasonably good caster, can be pretty strong etc etc. Hope this helps a tiny bit