Odus is deserted. The majority of the newbie population is around Gfay and EC/Freeport.
I don't want you to think Kunark is deserted though. Field of Bone, Kurns, and other nearby zones are almost always populated if you go Iksar.
Dark elf is an evil race but still has access to some areas that an Iksar won't (like the Outpost in the Overthere). Race doesn't really matter in the looks department cause you'll be a skeleton the whole time no matter what.
Like polish said don't worry about gear. All plat will go to spells initially. Once you're 20 or so you can head to EC and maybe buy some gear.
Take a look at this awesome guide on Necros. You might be convinced by Sesserdrix to roll an Iksar in the end.
http://wiki.project1999.com/Sesserdr...Strategy_Guide