Dark Ages

why?

Because he's a mutation enthusiast. And it's more fun that way. Plus, the amulet will also help in the Forge if we decide to use it. But mainly because he's a mutation enthusiast. You wouldn't believe how much I was looking forward to my first mutation when I played Dark Messiah.

Added 9 minutes later
The first one will definitely be a philosopher. I was considering a fire mage, but you were also complaining about a healer. So, I might consider a water mage, but the character will be an elf anyway (and not a mega-healer).