A few good points below to echo. If you are not new to mudding, just CF, assassins and rangers are fine and all but are really great solo classes. I'd echo TheJoker (Batman?) and go for a build that will have you in the mix with other characters to get the most fun from CF. I like svirf warriors because you can:

1. See invis inherently
2. Get 100% lore and go to town ID'ing stuff
3. Still be a desired groupmate
4. Actually solo mobs
5. Have few enemies (or as many as you want)
5. Still be 'out there' enough that you can't hide from the world and will be forced to learn how to survive in CF without the stealth-class crutch.

I'd suggest go orderly ethos, too, so if you get curious about cabals you can try Tribunal (very newbie friendly) or Nexus.

You'll also just have to make sure people don't just assume you are in Battle. :)