How hard ( long ) would it be for a completly new player, to learn a class from skratch and start raiding current content ? Let's say tommorow i would like to play a Paladin, lvl 1 on any server.
Completely new, as in totally new to EQ? Or, experienced player/veteran, starting a new class? Very different time levels depending on which of the above you reference.
Assuming you actually level the class yourself (which will take you at least a few weeks/months if you are completely new to the game) and read up a bit on it, not long at all. Melee are the hardest to learn, but the entire universe of things any EQ player needs to know isn't that large. Just be inquisitive and open minded.
There's almost an overwhelming amount of tiny detail which separates the exceptional from the 'meh' in this game (specially as a raid tank role, such as pally) - but rest assured Everquest is not rocket science. Check out the tank forum and generally google search for EQ tanker guides... Send tells to upper level pallys and inquire your inquiries (surely you'll eventually come across someone looking to propagate good players). If not just message me in game / if you're on Cazic-Thule server, I'll gladly help you with some very basic fundamentals.
It's harder to go from level 1 now a days... since most people just make heroic characters. You would be doing a lot of soloing, and that could be a big learning curve and cause frustration. Paladins are a fun class... but maybe not the best to start with. Your gear as a tank is more important then a dps or healing class. It affects the group, and if you can't tank... you're basically eye candy. And soloing, unless its undead in lower levels will take longer as well. It IS possible to get level up and learn your class if you're willing. You would need to join a casual guild and make friends with similar play times... and read up on your class and be prepared to learn.
