First of all, how do I find out how much mana I have? Also, when I have
a magical item telling me I get +1 mana, does that mean just a +1 to my
<insert number here> mana? Or does it mean an increase in regeneration?

I also have only 102 i intelligence, as I had no idea what does what
when I created the character. I had a general idea, but not specifics
(thanks Verant for such great documentation). Anyway, I used the points
to invest in other things, and I find I can hold my own against a blue
or black orc centurion at my level 8, even when I run OOM and we come to
blows (well, I come to blows, he was already at blows). It's obvious to
me that later, my only weapon will be my spells, and I will maybe be
able to cast one less DD than someone who invested it all in
Intelligence, but that really doesn't discourage me. reasons are, that
later you have to travel in a party anyway, and no one will notice how
many DD's I cast. If things come to such extreme when another one DD
cast is the difference between life and death, it means we're attacking
too strong creatures anyway.

So, to all those that are worried, don't. You will have easier times in
melee early on, and you won't be THAT much weaker later on.

--
Qenelin
--

Nemo me impune lacessit!