[wycca]

Lukes - welcome back to classic EQ! I started in the summer of 99 and played till early 08 myself - P99 is a blast. That being said, it is a bit odd given that we've had years of classic, then like 3 years of Kunark - this creates some oddities. Also, given the benefit of years of hindsight, the game is sorta a hyper min/max at times in some ways. That being said, the community is fun, there's people willing to help out and give you stuff/welcome you, and classic EQ is a blast.

Shm - there's a ton around, doesn't change the fact that they're a great class, just beware that you tend to become a buff-bot and this has its issues (theyre great soloing too mind you).

Brd - a great bard is a good thing, that being said, referring to my hindsight/min-max comment, theres alot of bards causing issues in zones with their massive AE kites. Grouping bards are good though to most people, the AErs can leave a bad taste in peoples mouths though.

Enc - always useful in groups plus good soloers, they are probably a good starting choice.

Those comments aside, the raid game is another beast when it comes to classes and roles. You'll find that most long-time P99 players have several toons and alts, and we may use a shm/enc to farm, a monk for grouping, and a wiz for raiding. Overall, play what you enjoy, but I'd recommend you stick to a class when starting out that doesn't have high gear requirements (ie warrior is #1 on that list) unless you're dead set, while some of the classes that don't really require much gear can be easier to start with.

PS - I started with a Cleric, then a Wizard, and now a Ranger. I also have a Paladin and Magician whom I'd like to get to some day.