Keep your pet spell up2date, give your pet some crappy weapon, get your merc tank npc. Sent pet, cast darkness and some other crappy spell for level skill up. Sell everything you can't use for plat. Park yourself home point in Plane of knowledge when you have chance, complete the newbie quest until 20, then go PoK get the HOT zone quest, and go complete in HOT zone, PoK has npc selling all the spell you needed. If you want a friend you would join me, I am at Povar server, started a Mage like 20, and I have 68 enc to buffing. I can go level a newbie war with you if you wish. My character name is Sooso.
Do it. Start with reading the forums at necrotalk.com.. Although it is pretty dead there now there is some awesome information. If you have any specific questions send me a tell in game at luclin.sifonin, or drop me a private message Id be happy to help.
Hit Points are your friend. A dead Necro casts no spells. Focus on Hit Point/Stamina Gear, Mana will come with Litch.