my quick item build for ass erb. And I do vary this up based on how well I'm doing, if I need to shop, etc.
at start - monks - 50 gold totem
when i have 1500 gold - banded armor, scale mail, scaled helm
when i have another 1500/1750 - nimoth or vlemish or unbreakable boots
when i have another 1500/1750- nimoth or vlemish or unbreakable boots
Somewhere in here I'm working on picking up a sigil/ports/locks - it vary's based on what's happening and when i chose or had to shop
As more money comes in, I'll get narmoth's ring/mageslayer or groffling. Then upgrade my monks to something stronger based on what the team has or what I'm up against, etc.
The overall goal for me early is to snag a early kill if someone is being silly. Outside of that its to not have to to go back to the base while I hold flags. The longer I can put off buying equipment, the better. As in, if you can avoid going back to base until you hit level 5-6, you are doing great.