I know if you are new you want to get gear. But some classes like a Mage and a Necro, Wizard really don't need any gear. You get a free robe form the Guildmaster if you turn the scroll into the right one. Even a enchanter only needs some charisma items and you SHOULD have put a lot into that stat at the start. They need 200ish to be able to help with Charm lasting a longer time.
Melees can do the turn in for CB belts in Keth and get free Leather Armor. Melees NEED a good weapon. The starting weapon you get is damn weak.
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But there are a TON of Quests you can do. That is why the game is called Everquest. It is time consuming true, but it is a lot of satisfaction knowing you made your own Armor and got some Free spells and worked to get some good items by working for them not just being given them.
A lot depends how much time YOU have to play the game and can dedicate to doing Trades skills, quests. The game is supposed to be fun. Not a race to the top, which by the way can get boring being at the top.
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