Crafting is an incredibly important skill. Take everything you can get your hands on. Think creatively. Blacksmiths can, for exmaple, put nails into shoes to stop them from slipping. Magic is exponentially more powerful than melee. Quick Save Constantly (F5). Be insatiably curious. Before you venture out of the city be level three and have your two companions. Do not start as "Lone Wolf". Respecing is available later but it is extremely expensive. Try to buy every skillbook you come across that is pertinent to your character even if you can't or don't want to use it yet. A cheaper method is to just make those skillbooks from scrolls. See: Crafting.
Helpful Recipe everyone should know:
(skull(any)+mortar/pestle)+(stardust plant+mortar/pestle) = Pixie Dust
