My brother convinced me to give this a try (we're old school DAoC players), and a friend of ours who played with us back in the day heard and is thinking of joining in.

We played Hib and enjoyed being underdogs, and that is why we're thinking Albion here. The deal is we don't know much about Albion, especially the new classes, and could use some basic info as far as what works well and what to stay away from.

We aren't dead set on anything but my brother was leaning towards a cabalist and I a friar ( I remember old school friars were fierce). Any ideas on what might go well with these two? I'm not dead set on the friar, but I don't really care for any of the other original alb classes (as far as I can remember), but might be open to a newer class. I think my brother is set on the cabalist though. I don't really see our friend playing a caster type so keep that in mind.

Normally I'm not a fan of these kind of posts (people should make up their own minds), but we have a distinct lack of information on Albion and could use some help/advice.

Cabby and friar should be ok for doing pet pulls for quick leveling due to focus pull from cabby and buffs and heals from friar.

Given what you've mentioned, I would consider Cabby, Friar (you), and Reaver (friend), since your friend doesn't want to play a caster type. Reaver is a strong melee class with shield spec, pbae dmg and debuffs, and an insta dot and LT. I'm assuming your friend doesn't like healers like cleric as well?

A minstrel also not be a bad choice for him as it would give you power regen song and speed.

The best trio I could think of though from what you've said is Cabby, sorc (you), and cleric (him). That's if you don't mind casters and healer is ok with him. Good for pve and rvr.

In summary:

Cabby, Friar, Reaver
Cabby, Friar, Minst
Cabby, Sorc, Cleric

If you are set on playing friar I'm just gonna warn you it's not very welcome in 8v8 warfare, great as solo char, good in smaller groups but lacks either better heals or better melee damage to have a place in an fg.
Another option might be cleric? Heals, buffs, shears and some smiting will be your only toys but they're essential in any group. They work very well in duo with a cabalist aswell. Especially in PvE.

As far as your other friend goes I think Paladin, Mercenary, Minstrel or Reaver are his options. Paladin is Albions def tank, it has chants (endurance regen, dmg add, AF buff,..) wears plate (highest absorb ingame) and shield spec for slam (9sec anytimer stun). Mercenary is imo the best albion offensive tank. It dualwields, has chain armour, has stoicism(passive 25% CC reduction), acces to slam, has nice other styles and welcome in most setups.

Minstrels are stealthers but you can spec them for group play too. Could be a fun trio with you and your caba friend. It has the best speed in albion, stun and DD shouts, can charm mobs, has a single mezz, good RAs. Reavers can only use their 1handed whip + medium shield so they rely on their proccing styles, especially the backstyle which hits pretty hard. They got some other (pbaoe) shouts aswell and like paladins and minstrels they have no stoicism.

The ultimate trio on alb would be caba,cleric,sorc but since your friend doesn't want to play caster I think one of the above would be best. Armsman I wouldn't advice because 2handed damage is ****** here.