When you try to leave the village, you will be summoned. Complete that area before entering the battlefields, since if you enter and leave from there, you get returned to the imp village. It is not a game-ender, but you will miss the experience, loot and a teacher.
I found many good swords in act 2, and changed my DK's sword about 5 times. I didn't find a better crossbow than one I got from act 1, though it still does enough damage.
