Newbie Guide:
I suppose you're using the weapons and armor you were issued by the Priest of Pa'agrio. That's unless you have rich friends, of course, eh?
For now, whatever you have will do. After defeating monsters, you'll often find armor they left behind. Sometimes weapons,too. If you're lucky, you may get your hand on Cloth Shoes, Apprentice's Shoes, or a Cloth Cap. as hunting spoils.
You should have been given two weapons, a Squire's Sword and Training Gloves. Even a novice like you can tell the different between a sword and a brawling weapon, I think. The Training Gloves (hand-to-hand weapon) hit twice as often as other weapons, but they're not as powerful a shield. Plus, you need both hands, so forget about a shield. Now the Squire's Sword (one-handed sword) is much slower than the Gloves, but is more accurate and does more damage. Remember that different weapons may call upon different skills in their use. Either is a worthy weapon -- it is up to decide which suits you best.