Beginner Character

I've just recently went out and bought Guild Wars, and now that I have, I'm wondering what would be a good character to begin with. Something that is not incredibly challenging or very gear dependant, but a character that can be effective on a limited budget? Any thoughts?

Most people will agree that a warrior/monk is a good beginner character. Items are not as crucial in this game as they were in ... say D2. There's a very narrow range of "max dmg".

The world doesn't need more warrior/monks. Play an elementalist first time through, it's fun, they're easy to learn but have alot of depth to them, and you'll be almost as in demand for parties as a monk. Big bonus in that your first char can be your farming character later.

Just remember not to tank in parties.

Btw, all classes are basically equally gear "dependent", except maybe mesmers, simply because of their lack of energy dependency and emphasis on timing over raw power. Really, you can be competitive with junk gear.

If the original poster (OP) has never played any kind of caster before, it's not a good idea to start with a caster. I never said the game needed more Wa/Mo, just that they (generally) are easier to play. Running up and hitting stuff is not difficult. Keeping your creamy marsmallow-filled caster out of harm's way while still killing your target is. OP, really, the only thing I definitely do not reccommend for your 1st character is Monk/*. Mostly because you will be the party's lifeblood and other players come down hard on a monk who's inexperienced. If you can handle the b!tchin and moanin from other players when you make mistakes (because as a neophyte to healing - you will), then I would tell you to choose monk because you'll never have want of a party. Parties will seek you out.

I was about to argue with you about the difficulty of avoiding hits, but then I had a horrible series of flashbacks to all the horribly played "mage tanks" I've seen die almost ever battle. Some newcomers (and some who should know better) don't even seem to realize they can move in combat.

A big second for not playing a monk first, it takes a very particular kind of person to enjoy staring at health bars for hours on end.