Yeah, this game has a LOT in it!!
Tips: Capture EVERYTHING - monsters, runes and cities. If it's too hard now, come back when you're stronger. The monsters you learn spells from or can use as mounts. The cities give you gold tithes when you revisit them each week/month/day (one of those lol). The Runes let you forge some pretty cool gear without spending gold. I've managed to make some "Legendary" items (took many many tries hehe).
Some of the monster captures I wouldn't mind having a cheat sheet on hehe. Mostly I've noticed that odd strategies work like having the big skulls blow up some of the extra coins/gems.
I've had this game for MONTHS and I'm still doing quests and the side bits.