1) The maximum level is 7th or 8th, depending on the class. The game might seem somewhat slow, but it is because it depends on tactics and battle strategy, not on killing and gaining levels.
2) "Talks back to you?"
You mean the sounds when you select/order him?
3) You are 100gp lighter now
, next time beware where you thread and who do you talk to...
4) During. It adds four areas, one of which is massive (and frustrating), but it yields fine items.
5) This game tends to be realistic.
The process of crating magical items is a taxing one, not everybody can make an enchanted weapon. That's why there are not very many powerful items just lying about. And you will certainly not find an axe at the dead mosquito swarm [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] .
6) I heard for such thing for the first time. Are you sure that it wasn't just a second body?