I would not do a mage as a beginner unless you plan to do a transmuter and just explore areas while in duo dimension. Mages really benefit from sleek wands at the higher ranks and sometimes they're hard to find. Playing a class without that particular problem might let you get into the "thick of things" a little quicker and not be quite so disadvantaged.

If you feel competent to role-play with an immortal, communers aren't a terrible choice. Just be sure to pick an active imm. Shield paladin might be worth a shot. They're pretty durable, the PK strategy is straightforward, and you're likely to have people want to help you in game. (As opposed to an evil character.)

Full disclosure: the standard advice is to start with warriors.