Well, not do dampen your enthusiasm, but the big scale project you describe still sounds too ambitious. Even as an experienced developer you’d still need a ton of art. Doing a game that required less art or using art from the web (you will find mostly sprites, textures) can make that a little less concern, but the problem remains.
If you know Python, Panda, and can read advanced code, learn from ynjh’s samples: ynjh.p3dp.com/
You could do the Panda3D community a world of good by applying your skills on Panda3D-related tools. For example, by taking the current rather generic editor and turn it into something more specific, like adapted to RPG or shooter. Something that connects your level + special elements (switches, spawn points) to genre-specific scripts.
Another tool we need is something to prepare models for the engine. For example an app where bones’ and their locations can be set visually and given generic names that can be accessed by a script. Maybe also basic animation and UV settings for models. Start with the obj2egg script here. Or start with this or that .
If you’re familar with web technology you could maybe do some good around the web plugin. Can’t be any more specific here, but maybe a web interface that lets you join games or a stat server.