Rolling on Red - First Char: Druid or Bard

[Zuut]

Hello,

Gonna be rolling a character on Red once I get back from the Middle East. Played Ench/Shaman/Monk on Blue, so looking to play something new on Red when everything is camped on Blue. I'm leaning toward a Bard or a Druid as a first character.

Main reasons I'm considering a Bard are because they can level quickly by swarming. I'd then use what money I loot from swarms to modestly gear any other character I create (as a starting point for money generation). I have also never played a Bard and their playstyle intrigues me... but is also a bit intimidating, especially as a first time Red player unfamiliar with all of the Red mechanics. Seems like Bards would really have to be familiar with EQ range units while mid-level grouping to prevent accidentally landing detrimental AoE songs on group members. I'd also group with the Bard to really determine if the Bard would be a long term potential character or just a "dick around and swarm" character.

Main reasons I'm considering a Druid are that they are fairly gear independent for PvE... though with PvP I'll likely get my hide whooped a few times before I can gather MR gear. Ports and the ability to bind are nice for traveling as a new character, especially as a first time Red player. The ability to solo helps as I usually do not have the ability to play in long duration (30 minutes here, an hour there, etc). I could also use this character to generate some modest platinum for any other character I may want to roll in the future.

On this first play through while leveling, my primary intent will admittedly not be PvP. After gaining some levels, cash, and resist gear, I'll start to re-focus.

I guess my questions are:
1) are there any Red specific mechanics I should be especially aware of with respect to a Bard's AE songs?,
2) has anyone had experience playing a Bard as their first character on Red99? How did it go?, and
3) Any suggestions on what my focus should be for starting items for either class (guessing some +55 hp rings, MR rings), once I am able to gather the funds?


Thank y'all in advance for any and all input.