Warrior Gearing Path

[Premaximum]

I definitely recommend that new players level in High Hold Keep Basement like you said. Between Ore drops and Ears, you come out of there with quite a lot of extra plat to jumpstart your character. And the exp is good, to boot. Even if you have to wait in line, it's probably worth it, especially if you can get on a list while you're killing guards or something.