Welcome! Druid is a great starting character. SoW, teleport, tracking, animal charm, heals, and none of it gear dependent. I switched from paladin to druid because I wanted to gear my paladin better, so I'm kind of in the same boat. Now I want to make a new Erudite paladin because I always loved the robes/hoods.
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] And you know what? It's all a good time, even playing the druid, which started just as a stepping stone. I wish I could get my brother to play with me, I'd try to go double Iksar since I've never played one. So much to do!
Err sorry, I'm rambling today. Greater Lightstones are a good way to get nearly 10pp per (in NK), and drop off level 9-11 willowisps. That's some of the best early money since it's from an NPC, no worries of selling it.