Thoroughly confused

[Dr. Zeppers]

I am not sure about the online players guide for the game itself not having used it much as a reference, I do know that our Wiki's information is out of date in some areas, as we struggle to keep up with POTCOs updates. But the start of the Story Quest tree, including the tutorial portion of the game there is accurate: DOW Wiki - POTCO

Regarding using the Cutlass. Make use of combo moves as they become available for your most effective fighting. To obtain more combos you assign skill points that you earn with each level to them as they become unlocked, press K for access to skill point assignments, etc. You will have more combo moves available as you continue to level up on your Cutlass. Time your cutlass attacks so it uses the combos, instead of a button mash approach that simply uses the basic skill. It gives you more attacks compared to each of the enemies attacks against you.

Please feel free to ask questions, lots of helpful pirates about.