This game hands out loads of experience for many things other than combat. I would not make the decision based on XP, and make it on how you want the story to work out. Befriending the mites or kobolds will actually give you equal or so exp as a I remember it.

My roleplay shall be like I'm neutral and and I'm nice to the mites and kobolds to be able to move freely on their territory. But after I dealt with Tartuccio the possible choices for the mites and kobolds were so disappointing for my roleplay that I need to reconsider my roleplay and play this part again.

Valerie warns the player if asked for her opinion on the matter, these are dangerous and unpredictable MONSTERS on your future baronny, you don't want them around so you better get rid of it. the thing is that taking on both sides can be very challenging depending on the difficulty(plus i failed just now because of some snakes/dragons behind the kobolds), and there is a short term reward that is pretty good for helping the mites. So... decide if you want short ou long term reward.
I understand that a druid would want to stay away from these disputes, but that's why you should have thought it through: it's no wonder some classes and stereotypes are never picture in power position.
how did you stay neutral in their fighting?

I don’t think it makes a huge difference either way. You can buy a Charisma hat at Oleg’s. Free is good, but you can get a free belt if you kill the Kobold leader.

I typically pick on role play - neutral to not have to kill deceived creatures and foster peace after. But can only do that with Bag of Tricks if you’re not neutral. Without that I’d typically side with the Mites.

The mental perfection hat comes almost at the very end of the game. Powerful but only +2 over what you should have on everyone at that point. I’m guessing you still get that if you’re neutral but not 100% sure.

btw, are long reach weapons useful, like lance, glaive etc? is the game doable without a archer or mage to fire from afar?

Originally posted by Le Lieu Tenant:

btw, are long reach weapons useful, like lance, glaive etc? is the game doable without a archer or mage to fire from afar?

Those are three of my favorite pieces to have in my party actually. You’re just not given them early on exactly.

But yes you could make it through on lower difficulties I’m sure. But varying ranges and attack types give you much more balance and I’d say make the game more fun from having diverse moves.