What do people usually take as starter monster girls/boys ? I always take a large Centuar (m) for early game land mount (Pegasus can work too, but Centaur better at combat, not so fragile for starting out), and then a Light Fox (f) with eagle eyes for my scout (As far as I know, they make the best scouts in the game)
Depends. I usually try to do my first 3 or 4 runs as achievement runs. A solo one, a crafter one, etc. Before unlocking hybrids, Insect and centaur help as their hybrids produce silk for easy crafting. Plants require no food. For fighting though, something to complement the early party is best, as such, if you lack magic, go lava, if you need healing, go lymean, a large mermaid or centaur for mounts and related hybrids. If you want money or lust, Succubi and Insects are obvious choices (brothel and breeding for money)
As for hybrids, there isn't really a perfect answer. There's some hybrids that are best at magic, healing ,movement, support, tanking or damage, but they all have some downsides and often can't beat the special species, later on. If you are going to do quests, you'll take uniques with you anyway, thus, eventually, it matters less, especially when fully evolved seedlings and spirits are so much better than most starters.