Starting as a fighter is fine, you get a learning bonus for weapons, shields and armor and also although not widely known) parry. Parry is useful as it will help you dodge your enemies blows. However, you may also want to think about starting as an Adept. Adepts receive learning bonuses for armor, shield and celestial magic and also can use magic weaponry. Celestial magic is useful for healing and some other mostly defensive spells. The Purify spell is especially good as it cures poison. Most spells are sold to guild members only. So you could go either way:
fighter/rogue valkyre/hunter rangerlord
adept/rogue valkyre/hunter rangerlord
One thing to keep in mind is I had a tough battle to become a Ranger Lord and afterwards checked the walkthrough and found it completely inaccurate. Not that it should deter you, but something to keep in mind.
*edit* Don't even bother with the manual too much...online sources such as Gamebanshee are superior.
(and welcome to the forums too

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