Hello, I went where I am supposed to find the first 2 hirelings in the cave below the starting town. I get the message about the empty shackle, but when I go back up and look in the inn, I see no one under hirelings. Am I missing something? Thanks.

I think the first two hirelings are related to a quest... you need to visit the right person to get the quest reward, and then they will become available for hire. Check around town.

Ah yes, I found out who to talk to... Thanks.

Another question if I may...

I got the cartography skill, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything. Do I need to have it for more than one member or do I need an item to be able to use it?
I have the usual map box in the right corner, but it's all blank... and one would assume something would happen when you have someone with the cartography skill...
Any ideas?

Thanks!

Press the key for the automap.
The visible map part in the right corner is enabled by casting a certain spell or drinking from a certain fountain.

Yeah, the minimap in the corner will only show up if you've cast either the Eagle Eye spell (for outdoors) or Wizard Eye spell (for indoors). But what cartography will do is it will remember the map if you cast the spell "location". Casting that spell will tell you which square you are on, and which direction you're facing (and which area on the world map you are in), but it also pops up a map screen. If you have cartography, this map will show everywhere you've been. Unfortunately you have to cast the "location" spell every time you want to view this map, but the spell only costs 1 magic point and becomes trivial after you've gained a few levels. Many players (including myself) feel that it's still worth making maps by hand on graph paper because then you can look at other places you've visited, and you can mark down special locations like shops. Also, if you die and have to return to a previous save, the in-game map you uncovered after saving will be lost but you'll still have your paper maps.

What?? Press 'M'!

Wait, seriously? Wow, now I feel amazingly stupid for playing through the whole game without knowing that. Doh!

Cassandra: Forsooth! It seemeth that these corridors all looketh alike! Yet again I must use the mystical arts to determine our location!
Sir Felgar: Here we go again.
Gene Eric: Shut up Felgar, it's funny.
Sir Felgar: Yeah, whatever. Hermit, have you still got the map?
The Hermit: Of course I do. Just wait a second. She's getting started now.
Cassandra: *arcane words and gestures*
The Hermit: Right, she's off. So let's look at this map. Yep, we're at 11, 8. If we turn left and then step forward three times, we'll be at the door to the tavern.
Sir Felgar: Sweet. Let's go, I'm thirsty.
Gene Eric: Heheeehee look she's still going.
Cassandra: *further arcane words and gestures, getting louder and more frantic*
Gene Eric: I think she's nearly done.
Cassandra: *yells a couple more words, then falls silent*
*everyone waits*
Gene Eric: *guffaw* erhem. Something in my throat.
*everyone waits*
Cassandra: Behold! Our explorations have led us to the eleventh node in the eighth ley of reality! Certainty returneth to our path!
Sir Felgar: 11, 8, you say? Good one. Let's go to the tavern.