IMO, cheap CHA gear + 55HP rings will get you pretty far to start off.
Add more +INT stuff as you go to build up your mana pool because
your bread-and-butter spells (Mez, Charm, Slow) require more and more mana as you
get higher level versions of them.
I don't know how important CHA is either, but you probably want it over like 140.
Most charm resists that I see are caused by trying to use pets which are too
close to my level. Most light blue pets will charm for a long time and they won't
beat the crap out of you as much when they break...
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]