Here are some Brand New character tips without spending a fortune.
Buy plain leather armor off a vendor npc. It's affordable and provides decent AC. By affordable I mean it's cheaper than banded and weighs considerably less.
https://wiki.project1999.com/Leather_Armor
The next thing is a weapon, You can go to Feerrott and ask nicely for a "Scythe" from the people camping spectres. Or fine steel from someone farming herb or flerb. You don't want a "rusty scythe" or a "bronze scythe". Just be polite and keep asking every so often. Kill lizard men in the meantime.
https://wiki.project1999.com/Scythe
Pre-level 20 you'll be damage capped. With a "Scythe" you will be hitting for 20s. Until you farm up a little plat to hit EC, this thing will carry.
https://wiki.project1999.com/Fine_Steel_Weapons
Some are better than others.