First horrible ending, be warned.
Second the hunger system is not that bad, just something that you have to keep in mind playing.
Ok a few things explained, Lockpicking:
You turn the pick left or right until it lets you turn tumbler. It is a pain in the butt and you will lose a few lockpicks.
Weapons after a few lvls ups you and couple cudgels later you can dual weld
Starting off stay around your castle area that curse is annoying and will start draining life quick even on main map.
the point in the beginning of the game is confusing mostly it is a grind til you get enough food from wandering merchant that you can make the trip to the lower right where the goblin camp is and save your merchant there, then build a shop.
After that you should figure out the rest by exploring and freeing the tower girls.
P.S. the new year gifts are a random drop until you get 10 of them, then head back to furry girl.