I'm new to RPGs and need help in the first room. Good Grief!

My party is getting hammered by the "bats" either way we try to leave the area.

Tips?

I'm hoping to get better once I can get the hang of playing with a party of 4.

welcome to IW gaming ;) ! well, by "bats" i think you mean mephits. there is no real trick to beating them.. what you can do is select a person on your team (not your main char) then hit "r", then customize, then script, the pick what you want the char to do. if these have a sling then give them the "rang" script. do this for every person in your party except you. now, when you find enemys they will automatically attack. that only leaves u to do what you want to do (casting if your a mage, or fighting for a fighter, maybe traps for a thief, etc.) that might help you with fights. if that doesnt work focus your group on one "bat" at a time.