The Drunken Lizard Pub

How do I open sealed barrels? How do I get "unknown" items identified?

You will have to rely on the merchants until you get your lore skill to a respectable level. Of course the merchant will charge you for his/her expertise. Usually the item is worth more than the appraisal value. So you make a profit but less than if you could identify the item yourself.

I think the game also notes this in the "tips" dialog box, but maces are supposedly the best to smash with. Actually, when I started off I was using my sword to smash barrels with, and the sword would slowly deteriorate.... I soon switched to a mace, which I only use for smashing barrels, and I don't believe it's ever deteriorated on me.

So... invest a point in Bludgeoning (or buy a point) and get yourself a mace!

I think cleaving weapons also work well, if you happen to be partial to those... but I haven't tried them. My character does only swords (and, of course, that mace which is ever so effective at smashing things with).

Just put one point in Unarmed Combat early in the game when it takes less experience points to level up and you can punch your way through all the chests, barrels and doors you want.

AK Marty