Just started a 7-day trial of SOR over the weekend and I seem to be getting the basics, only thing is I think I may have gimped my character from the off. I created a Fighter, Crafter and Forager to begin, but I cant seem to work out how to further my magic use at all, not having any spells whatsoever, help would be appriciated

Also, anyone wanna explain to me why I seem to have a hard time killing anything other than a single star creature, is it my distinct lack of armour maybe ?? (Still wearing what I started with)
Thank you's.