I'm a returning player from LoD, and I always admired the dueling scene. I was never good at it, nor did I understand stats/skills in PvP 20 years ago. I want to learn and get setup. I have a couple MF characters that can run almost any content, but I don't have a torch/anni yet. Obviously not ready for it now, but what should I be looking for? What builds are beginner friendly? Is there a community I can join and get tips from an actual person instead of a video? Is it even worth it at this point? Please be kind, as I know I am VERY far off from building.

I am new to jsp in general. If I were to go the route of using fg for a sc nl setup, what fg range would I be in roughly (not looking for absolute GG, just something to learn with)?

Depends

Some types of pvp is still skill dependend, of course stay away from
The most item heavy fights...

Wind Druid and bone necro are generally the best balance of budget friendly, low skill floor, high skill ceiling and competitive viable.

You could probably put together a usable setup with around 500-1k fg with a 2-3k budget getting you a solid build with a few gear swaps.

There are a few dueling discord communities that are generally pretty friendly and willing to teach new comers but not everyone will be willing to duel with you all the time since it’s essentially a service.

make an auradin

It is too late right now for organized GM pvp, wait and see

ROTW changed everything. No one knows if LOD will survive, maybe as a pvp haven or maybe itll die. On ROTW pvp is a casual afterthought.

If your idea of pvp is griefing pvm players though, then PVP will never die

the best pvp is joining rando games and pking unsuspecting people. This is the way.

not really, just make a bvc or bone necro. cheap and super effective. you dont need stacks of 3/20/20 to have fun in public duel lol