Melee for a new player

[Mardur]

68% more required experience is correct. This is even rougher when you're soloing, as your penalty isn't shared with a group.

Monk is also a decent option especially considering the weapon options available in Kunark. The trick is finding the right mobs, low dark blues that you can kill with only losing about 40% health so you can bind wound back up and fight another.

Iksar Monks also have a 44% penalty. Human monks have 20%.