An ill-advised text-based adventure:

[Brian Skies]

Examines self, inventory, location, and surroundings. Move towards the room with the shield and scroll insignia to examine the meaning of the mark. If the mark signifies possible equipment to be had, cautiously try to peer the contents of the room by slowly and silently opening the door. Brace self to be ready to run back towards the hallway full of lounging miscreants in the event I'm attacked or spotted. If unknown, run back towards the room where Mist and Cheery Dog are located to assist in the melee, using nearby items and chairs as weapons/defense as needed.

[Brian Skies]

YEEEEESSSS!!!!

Ask him if he has armor and weapons for myself and my fellow brethren. In return for ample and adequate supplies, I will spare his life.

[Brian Skies]

Actually, ask him for a complete inventory of his wares.

[Brian Skies]

I'd also like to interrogate him on the surrounding area. Information of nearby locations, quests, people of interest, notable locations within the castle we should be aware of...and inquire about a map, healing items, scrolls, etc. etc.

[Brian Skies]

Equip the dagger, leather armor, leather leggings, cloth hood, and cloth gloves.

Based on my own crudely drawn map, I'm assuming the map room is the same room or near the same room CD and Mist are located.

Ask the shopkeeper what the Sky Tower is before thanking him and proceeding to the room CD and Mist are located. Help Aronis kill the first guard, careful as to not get struck by the guard's sword. The goal is to create an opening for Aronis to land a killing blow.

[Brian Skies]

Equip the 3-Foot stick as well and use it as a makeshift shield.

[Brian Skies]

Though he notes that it will take an external increase in economy for his selection to improve past a certain point.

Also, what? Just how deep

is

this game?

[Brian Skies]

High 5's Aronis. Take and equip the fallen guard's sword.

[Brian Skies]

Examine the brawl/situation between Mist/Cheery Dog and the remaining two guards.

[Brian Skies]

Assuming Mist is close enough to approach safely, give Mist my dagger by handing it to her. Otherwise, toss it to her safely (either through the air or sliding it along the ground).

If the other two guards are still tangled by Cheery Dog's shirt rope, join McMenno by attacking whichever guard he is not. Otherwise, attack the same target as him.

[Brian Skies]

Examine and search the room. Take anything of value.

If this is the map room, look for maps and information regarding people of interest, quests and information of the castle we're in.

[Brian Skies]

Also, take one of the guard's halberds and equip it.

[Brian Skies]

I always knew our slaughter was justified!

You discover a map detailing the known locations to the guards of this castle.

Examine the map so I can locate the other guards of the castle and possible a stable.

I'll also wait around to see what loot I gain and try to form a party. Haven't decided if I want to climb the Tower of the Skies or just raze the nearby village.

[Brian Skies]

Or one with arrows sticking out of it.

[Brian Skies]

I plan on following the group I find most interesting.

[Brian Skies]

It appears I've misread the function of the map.

Go back to the shopkeeper and ask him when his next shipment arrives.