for a first char, especially if u don't want to spend much, i'd probably start with a barb. they are really great at the start (levels 1-35, bit slower 35-60, and a bit annoying at end).
Casters generally tend to be annoying at the start (1-5 is easy always, 5-20 = a bit annoying, 20+ = fairly easy all the way to mq)
your choice :).
generally a mage is simply:
wep: as much int as possible
armour: as much int as possible
charm: as much ee as possible
alt charm: a heal charm with as much ee as possible
0-5 of starting stats to vita, rest int. (i use +2 vita).
for a barb i'd use the following:
Weapon: as much ee as possible
armour: chain/plates with EE/strength/dex
charm: Strength/dex
alt charm: nothing
5-15 starting stats to vita, reach 70-100 dex (your choice), then rest strength.
This post was edited by mclarke on Mar 22 2009 08:47am