New Player - Cleric

[Jeeden]

Hey guys.
I'm an old player that played up to Luclin? (when they got PoK and PaludalCaverns?).
I was on Erollisi Marr as a Shaman - Urugal. Got to 64 before I quit - I basically went to college/didn't have time.

I did play EQ2 for a while, did raiding on there, main was a Ratonga Assassin (believe I was on Crushbone). EQ2 was a disappointment as far as challenge, but it worked out since I was in college and didn't have the time lol.

So I'm starting a cleric in classic EQ for the first time. I made a Dark Elf. I'm finding it pretty hard/slow at the beginning. I'm level 6 now and camping the undead obelisk in Nek Forest. I'm finding strength a big issue/encumbered.

Anyone have any suggestions? I know bronze armor is suppose to be pretty good/affordable - but it's pretty heavy, I almost want to get full raw hide instead (found a couple pieces).
I've got about 6 backpacks now, and all this room, but get encumbered pretty quickly.
Should I just worry about leveling and not cash? What are some decent pieces I can pick up?
My friend gave me some plat.