I’d try to get a Sword if the Skyfire (like 100p or free from a generous player) and set of banded. That will set you up for a long while. Keep this list handy, should be able to convert the banded into Dreadscale while you hunt in Kunark and pick up the drops:
https://wiki.project1999.com/Dreadscale_Armor
There are other pieces tho which will be on par or better for the price invested. Just a fun list to quest on if your path aligns with it.