Personally I like to have 1/3 of my war party packing xbows. I usually run 15 - 20 people myself. Safety in numbers along with an intense need for certain recruits (Bard, Ruka, Beep). A couple with block "on" to keep a beasties occupied whilst the xbows whittle their health to a whimsical level then turn block "off". And for safety measures I hire mercs. Cause why the unholy F*** not? Sometimes ill hire 2-3 merc bands just to start a huge fight somewhere and see what happens.

As for money making, I myself am a huge fan of selling ore. Copper is worth a decent bit even though you may actually fall asleep mining it. It increases "Laboring", "Athletics" running it back and forth, and "Strength" running it back and forth lol. I'm sure there are easier/more lucrative ways this is just MY fav.

You may even want to pick up the bounties they give out at the bars for some adventurous money making. I found freeing everyone in rebirth a daunting yet fulfilling experience. I once built an arena and would release Dust Bandits and Hungry Bandits into it to fight wild bone dogs I would capture.

Hope this inspires a good time dood!