You start with 1 coin. In the current rules, you start with 1 raw provision, 1 skin of water, 1 wood, 1 metal, 1 leather and 1 wood. I'm currently working on the rules now and I might change that to 2 raw provisions, 1 skin of water and 1 coin.
Combat - Melee combat is the only ability that helps you hit an opponent. Some creatures have characteristics that let you do other things. For example, Timid creatures allow you to intimidate them into fleeing. Weapons do 1, 2 or 3 damage.