Well i know how you feel, I've wanted to make my own games since i was around that age too. I actually just got DarkGame Studio at christmas. It is a great deal, because they have Catrography shop, for map making. Characters and models and such , and DarkBasicPro, or DarkGDk if you want to continue with C. Im a relativelty new programmer too, but in the last 2 weeks ive learned alot, and DG studio has helped, because i can make a game i want, and if i need to i can just make my own characters.
I dont think your wasting your money, if you want to do this, you can look at the tutorials on the website, and if they dont have everything you need, you can always post and ask for specific help. as for an Orpg...i think you can make one, but like i said im pretty new as well.
Hope I helped,
May0
Be patient....everything takes time.