Looking to join up, but have a few questions

[Gunda_G]

Hi all,

I used to play a dwarf warrior, erudite SK, and erudite wizard on Ayonae Ro from around the time Velious came out through the Planes of Power expansion. I came upon this project recently and I think I'm going to start up this week.. just had a few questions about the server.

I'm kind of stuck between starting with a rogue, wizzy, SK, shammy, cleric, or paladin (really narrowed it down, I know [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] ). I was browsing around the wiki and saw some population counts by class - is there really an overpopulation of clerics/shammies? I'm also kind of leaning toward a less-expensive class to gear at first e.g. rogue and then rolling an alt once I can make some plat. Any advice as to which would be best? I know that's a loaded question but I haven't played EQ in a way long time.

Also, what's this about race/class EXP penalties? I'm having a hard time finding a good amount of information on this.

Thanks in advance for your replies!