You integrated the RPG mechanics with the environment and story well. I love the idea of the hero's level atrophying from disuse, and finding skills in the bookshelves was fun. Sadly I didn't finish the game because I spent most of my money before I reached the Sea Town, so I couldn't afford the boat— oops! But I enjoyed the parts that I played. :)
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Oops! Looks like I accidently posted as a reply to the game instead of you. Anyway...
Thanks. Glad you appreciated the skill atrophy explanation. I always find it odd when games about skilled heroes have them start at 1 and often had them start a few levels up. Can't believe I never thought of adding an explanation of the low level being due to disuse before, since that's how skills work in real life. If anyone likes this explanation, feel free to steal it :)
Sorry about the lack of G. I did not get to playtest as many times as I would have liked - basically played tested the "finished" game once and tweaked it as I went. I had enough gold, but I did not end up buying every single upgrade at the shop, so that might have been why I made it. I'll definitely increase the amount of gold the player can get.
(Oh yeah, on the off chance you missed it, did you talk to the girl who tells you about the well cave, because there's a good chunk of G down there.)