I did make it out of the starting zone. However, I don't know if the starting zone has changed since you last played it.
My starting zone (Path of Courage? Not sure.. Going to reroll tonight anyway) did not have anyone tank for me. You talk to the wounded guard, go to the gate, talk to the NPC there (Or go talk to the other NPC and escort him back to the wounded guard), and immediately it's just you against an elf warrior. First one is easy, but they placed the second one in aggro range of another pair, one mage one archer. Then there's the wolves real close by that can also aggro.
I also watched a few more videos today about the skill and deck system. Sorta need to restart again.
I think this is the 4th iteration of the tutorial I have tried. I remember the one you may be thinking of, where the NPC at the gate crosses the stone bridge with you and you face off against skeletons.. That's not it anymore, or not the one I ended up in.
Thanks for the info! I'll be in touch! No mic for Discord yet, but I will eventually be getting one.