thanks for all of the feedback, lots of good comments here, you are all very helpful! there are spells granted for completing the quest for clearing the roads. there are a few too many roads and too many monsters to clear i think for most people's taste, i was trying to give it four hours of gameplay but i think i have to revisit that decision. i am very impressed with everyones points though, and i take all the criticism constructively.
great feedback, clairebear.
if you are rested you do more damage, will see about getting the icebolt/lightning issue fixed.
there are not enough uses for gold, i agree, am looking at what i can do in order to improve that.