Glad to know I wasn't doing something wrong. I will definitely need to form a party before going out on my war horse again. I think I will just do the cowardly thing and buy a ticket instead.
Similar to hiring NPCs except you 'build' the kind of NPC you want to be part of your party. A lot of the game has to change to accommodate this especially the battle system since it will not be one vs one anymore but multiple combat situations happening at the same time.
The exact details will be worked out during creation, however the main idea behind having a party is to assist you in combat and offer an opportunity for tabletop-like game play where you have to considers others and not just your Character.
Some Updates
'Smarter' conversation for NPCs was added to Llafair and the Dark Regions. Later, I will populate their knowledge with more worthwhile tips.
A new element has been added to the game called, "One Shots". You will learn more when you visit the Crier.