Heh, I can see what you mean about the hard mode. I played it on Normal and already found it pretty challenging, while still being fun!
What I like most about it is the little flavor lines and subtext we get from the attacks - Like how Dianthus protests over using her Pact, argues with the fae when she tries to communicate and how Griselda says "Awww so you do care!" when she is healed. Just great stuff that really fits their plot and characterization.
And I'm glad you got a kick out of playing Frightwood! :D
I wanted to blend the battles and the story so that they felt a part of the game and not just random battles, and I think I got the balancing of normal just right now - I'm glad that came across!
For Farspeak, as a small easter egg, if you get Griselda to learn Farspeak (level 3 telepathy), she gets a choice of dialogue with interesting effects, instead of just being grumpy like Dianthus XD.