[GenXCub]

You can get Ressurection powder VERY early on in the game. When you get to the cavern with the river and the mechanical bridge, jump in the water, kill the fish, then REALLY gently jump off the waterfall. You'll fall to a mid-level that has some res. powders.

Just make sure you've unbarred the door in the room with the King Crab so you don't have to walk the long way back.

As for spells backfiring... that happens, just don't cast anything higher than power level 1 spells for awhile. Put your points in the Schools (Wizardry, Divinity, etc) and let your Fire, earth, etc improve with spell use... they go up quicker.

I'd also opt for a Bishop to cover both your priest and mage... maybe put a gadgeteer in there.