As a weapon I can recommend you to use a Longsword or a Bastard Sword. They are cheap, but really good!The Two-Handed Sword is very good as well - a nice half-way between Longsword and GreatSword!
Staying on the cheap builds is it possible to remain on the cheap side with a 1h+shield build?shielder will be more expensive i think because the shield make take a part of the budget, however you surely can go cheap with it. I would suggest to try 2h anyway, you just have to focus on blocking (dont think: i will kill that guy with a swing, but think i wait for his attack, block, strike, block...) it will go easier everytime you try.
I find that shields is more forgiving for a newblet like myself.
Maybe i should of named the thread to Cheap starting builds
shielder will be more expensive i think because the shield make take a part of the budget, however you surely can go cheap with it. I would suggest to try 2h anyway, you just have to focus on blocking (dont think: i will kill that guy with a swing, but think i wait for his attack, block, strike, block...) it will go easier everytime you try.I'm surprised you didn't mention hoplites, as you think them to be easy.
ofcourse shielder isnt easy and it has its downsides and weaknesses, but dont pick it because you dont feel comfortable with manual blocking. If you do so, practice or each time your shield breaks you will die.
2H is quite easier compared to polearm or 1h without shield (it feels more natural and faster), so you can always start with it. Later you can decide if you want to stay or if you want to 'upgrade' to another class.
I'm surprised you didn't mention hoplites, as you think them to be easy.i would sign my own death letter if i did that