My problem is how to get started. I've reviewed the examples and I'm quite ok with loading of models and the particle system.
I'll be glad if I get a sample which demonstrates the following
1. Creating the terrain ( a rather large one)
2. Moving a character (a human around)
3. Having the character pick up objects and place them somewhere (I've seen the triangle selector but I do not know how it can help in this)
I know a lot of c# and .net but very little about game programming. A nice book would be appreciated.

thanks in advance.