19 Feb 2009 at 08:08 - 2
When you create a PvP character, max armor, weapons, and skills (for the campaigns you own) are open to you (if you wish, you can purchase all PvP skills through the online store). You are also automatically lvl 20. However, you will NOT be able to use that character for PvE. If you PvE with other characters, anything you unlock with those characters will be available for your PvP character.
If you go the PvE route, you will have to complete missions and quests along the campaigns to unlock max armor, get max weapon drops, and unlock skills, you will also start at lvl 1 and have to lvl up to 20. Once you make it to lvl 20, you will be able to PvE or PvP with that character.
Since you have multiple character slots, there is nothing wrong with making a PvP only character, just realize it will be PvP ONLY.