Hi Brian, welcome to the wonderful world of iClone.
There is no timeline in SE of iclone I'm afraid. iClone is an excellent program and it is definately worth checking out the new features in version 3.0, it was a massive upgrade. So definately worth the purchase IMO.
Furthermore, vers 3.1 free upgrade is due out shortly which has even more new added features.
To add a new Character to the version you have at the moment, hit Ctrl + F7 and click add.
Yes, it will cost you to upgrade from 2 SE to version 3.0 but check to see if any discount is available.
You may want to look at the bundle which includes Crazy Talk, this is another excellent tool from Reallusion which lets you create talking characters from a photo or illustration and the script can be imported into iClone. There is a Trial version available.
Several Terrains come as standard with vers 3 of iClone as well as building blocks which allow you to create props.
You can also import your own Backgrounds from any image.
I hope this helps Brian, and once again welcome to iClone
Shy