What would be the best combination for me? I am looking to be a good "solo pve" and "group rvr" class that can take a lot of dmg but not take forever to kill things. I realize I will have to forfeit one for the other probably but I am total noob to DAOC. Any suggestions?

bm, shar for the extra con/hp

U cant solo with visible classes. For grp go BM, for solo ranger.
regards

Really, either BM or hero will work for what your wanting. I solo'd my BM threw the majority of his lvl's no problem. Takes a lil bit on waiting for health and end regen, but nothing a bunch of tinders couldnt take care of. I would say this, if you want to be a good solo PvE class AND a good group RvR class go w/ a celt pierce/shield bm. Hell, you could prolly goo all dps while lvling up and then respec to dps/shield spec once you get to 50 for RvR. I have a blunt full dps firby bm and I love him, but in RvR the shield slam would be a huge plus in groups. Seems the common spec for split spec bm's is: 50 celtic duel, 42 shield, 39 base mele, and 6 parry. You could also lower base mele down and raise parry up some if you would prefer. By doing that spec in RvR you can run w/ shield out to slam inc tanks then switch out shield for 2 weapons and still do great dmg. The other spec is what I run on my bm and its 50 celtic duel, 50 base weapon, and rest into parry.

Hero's are a bit more straightforward in spec. Most people spec with 39 (blade/pierce/blunt), 42 shield, and 50 of either LW or CS. I have seen some go w/ less then 39 1h mele spec and raise up parry as well. That is going to be the most average spec you see from hero's whether they RvR or PvE.

As a hero in RvR your going to be more about protecting the casters/healers in the group and providing crowd control w/ your shield slam on inc tanks. On a BM you have a bit more lateral work since if your full dps you will be trying to kill casters and healers but with shield/dps spec you can still do dps but also help w/ crowd control. Hope all that helps you out a little bit in your decision. I have my blunt firby bm, but if I could reroll I would make the celt shield/pierce bm instead just for more overall utility in RvR.

Firbolg BM. There is no str overcap here, there is no buff bonus here, you will be very limited on your str, if you want to DPS don't chose a race that starts with 60 str. And FFS don't make a slam pierce BM and expect to ever kill a mid light tank.

Bolg BM with either Slam-spec or Split-spec.

Means:

50 CD
42 Shield
36/39 weapon
16/5 Parry

Or

50 CD
36/39 in 2 Weaponskills (Pierce/Blunt for optimal switching
26/16 Parry

If you are RR7 you can try some exotic spec with

50 CD
33 Pierce/Blade/Blunt
6 Parry

Blade as Offhand and Pierce/Blunt switching.

Hero for dmg would be 42 Shield 50 LW/Spear rest Parry or weapon, as you wish (mine is full Parry)

BM outdamages Hero, but Hero has a good Def with a not that low dmg output

As exotic spec i would try this :

50 CD
36 pierce
36 blade
23 shield
13 parry

Advantages :
Can switch weapon damage
Usefull backstun with lvl style from shield spec
Decent damage after RR5
Suitable to group


Disdvantages :
Low parry
Need a good template

I wouldn't call Firb mandatory if you plan on speccing thrust though.. If you don't like the looks which is understandable..

Go firbolg even if u want thrust, he still deal hard !

Firb is still the best choice, I know.. But some people (including me) just hate firbolgs

For comparison Dex/Str combined:
Firbolg - 130 ; Celt - 120 ; Shar - 110

Since thrust damage is 50% Dex / 50% Strength it's just a matter of 5-10 points you would be missing. Which might be worth the beauty factor