The best weapons are right at the end in lower dorn's deep. You can get some shields/armour made but it sucks.
Nym the dark elf sells some kickin' ones (or should that be kissin'?
http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/biggrin.gif). The thieves and salamanders and Ilmadia have others.
I love the hack & slash too.
And you're right about the Guinness. It is, however, second only to Newcastl Brown Ale.
http://www.gamebanshee.com/ubb/tongue.gif