....what class to be is entirely up to your personal preferance
there are
sword
glaive/spear
bow
when you start they will ask you what you want. this however does not in anyway affect what you have to be, this is only what weapon you start with.
pick one you think you'll like.
then when you actually start the game take the time to read through all of the possible skills for each weapon type.
before you start leveling skill i strongly recommend reading moogies toutorial. it si very helpful on what skills are good for each weapon and what ones are not worth your time.
also moogie explains the best ways to level your character and build up skill points.
***IN FACT I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE WHO HAS NOT PLAYED SILK BEFORE SHOULD READ THIS TOUTORIAL***
moogie did a very good job writing it and i wish that i had known the things she explains in it!
http://www.silkroadforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=20