I'm open to any and all suggestions on where to start as far as what to download, ".hak" files etc. I really want to experience all the multiplayer content the community has to offer, but wouldn't mind getting my feet wet with some really good single player stuff.

The CEP is rather popular, as in many PW's and single player mods use it to some extent, so it's generally a good download. Other than that, haks are module dependent, so they only apply to mods that they've been added to/used in.

There are some nice overrides (GUI, hands, texture overrides, colored icons, etc) but they're obviously optional. Some of them are worth a look.

Ultimately, it depends on what you decide to do. There's not really a "catch all" when it comes to custom material. I've played on servers that just use the CEP. I've played on some that use gigs of other custom haks. The one I currently play on uses zero haks.

I wish I could be more help, but it's really a matter of where/what you decide to play.

I'd start with giving this thread a read, as a lot of really good single-player modules are listed there.

My own personal recommendations for some of the best modules out there would be The Prophet series, Tales of Arterra, and The Aielund Saga.

You can also browse through the top-rated modules at the Vault and see what strikes your interest.

Regarding multiplayer...

check out: http://nwnserverlists.boards.net/index.cgi for a list of servers that offer online play. the servers are listed by category (roleplay, action, etc...). This gives a short overview of the world and how to connect to it.

I'll also throw out www.arenthyor.com as our own server if RP is of interest.