Curious about P99 as a true new player.

[Argh]

Play whatever class really is the most appealing to you. Some of those hybrid classes you were interested in (bard, sk) really don't require good gear as you can solo fear kite things on either class and Bard is very useful in groups even if youre just naked singing mana song. Bard is a really unique class here that I haven't come across in many other MMOs.

There is a pretty good guide from Loraen on choosing a class that is a good fit for you.

If you need some starting gear PM me on here.