Advice needed.

[nerdengineering]

Just discovered p1999 a few weeks back and finally decided to take the plunge. However, I haven't played EQ since 2003 and after logging in I've realized how completely lost I am despite my consistent time spent in the MMO genre.

I have talked a buddy of mine into DUOing and we were thinking necro + mage for double pet action. Is this viable?

Also I don't know where to even begin. Was thinking dark elves but I forgot how confusing neriak is. Are certain races easier to start? Should I consider different classes like maybe one of us go tanky instead of double caster?

Most info seems to be for the current live stuff so its hard to siphon through it all and figure out what is relevant for p1999. I just want to get back to exploring Norrath and grinding some levels with my bud but it seems that is easier said than done.