Bard starter gear

[Squatchmoe]

I played EQ during Kunark back when I was about 12 years old. Re-introducing myself to the game I decided to try out a bard. So far I've played him to level 12 but I don't know what gear I should be saving for.

Should I be focusing on saving up for armor or for a decent weapon? I have a couple pieces of bronze armor but the rest is filled out with cloth. Some people have told me to look for pieces that have +HP on them.

Any help would be much appreciated.