Nice post, It seems we have had a similar experience of this early state of the game.
I haveto say tho that I do like my +2 intelligence dagger I found really early in the game, (cause I love sneaking into every available corner and steal everything that isn't nailed down). I gave it to the red prince giving him a really nice setup as a battle mage wielding dagger and shield, pushing enemies around with warrior skills and then frying them with fire spells.)
