Somerled0 wrote:figured it out. I had to hit f4 and see that i was in a claimed area. I ran off to the mountains until i got to a spot that wasnt claimed and i was able to gather.
Just FYI when you get to the main play area, if a friend adds you to their personal claim you are able to gather there so long as they set that permission. Same goes for guilds. Guild members and allys can gather and terraform the claim if the guild leader enables that permission for a particular guild rank.
Also, do make use of F4 when journeying through the mainland looking for a spot to settle if you don't have friends waiting for you. Guilds can be territorial or very wary due to spies and griefers. If you find a spot you like, look for any claims around. If there is one in reasonable proximity, I would approach unarmed and unarmored and ask if you may build there. They may be fine with it, they may say no, they may say yes but you must pay a small tax in the form of resources or coin. If they act hostile, run as soon as you feel something isn't quite right, and then don't build in that spot lest they come burn you out of your home.