I have played through the intro dungeon and made it to Cyseal several times now trying different party compositions. After figuring out not to go out the gate to the orc beach, I keep getting slaughtered in the rainy area. Even after upgrading every equipment I can afford, cleric drops in one round, knight drops the turn after.

I have talked to everyone in town and frankly, I want combat. I don't care that the elf wants revenge on Victoria and I don't care who murdered Jake. I have pursued those quests as far as a care to. Met the Weaver and the imp, blah blah blah.

My party is two knights, a cleric, and a ranger. Ranger does shit all for damage, even though I bought them an upgraded bow. Knights keep missing swings which is costly. The cleric is apparently made of paper, as she keeps dropping in a single round as soon as she's targeted.

The casters in the first rainy area apparently know resurrection, wtf? Getting poisoned in every battle is as annoying as frack.

I am playing as lawful so I will not be stealing in town to prop up my pitiful characters. I have experience with FF/FF Tactics type games and don't believe I'm missing any mechanics, the enemies are just overpowered for the beginning of the game.

What do you suggest a new player do? Other than stealing in town. I really want to enjoy this game but I'm finding it hard with the repeated TPKs.