Thanks for your extensive reply yoga
Yes I've already learned that you have to save-scum a lot in this game. That's a pity though, it would have been cool if a skilled player could play without reloads (especially because there's a good fleeing mechanic), but I guess that's impossible here.
My noob party consists of the following:
Felpurr Fighter **** Samurai
Lizardman Thief **** Fighter
Rawulf Monk **** Lord
Faerie Thief **** Alchemist
Dwarf Bishop **** Valkyrie
Elf Mage **** Ranger
I've grinded my way to level 3 and I'm just beginning to have enough money to snoop around Queequeg's coffers
One last question though (and I'm really embarassed to ask this), how do I make my faerie throw some dirks? I've equipped them in the main hand, in the off-hand, I've tried using them (only gives the message "[x] fumbles a dirk!"), but to no avail.