I just want to remind all new players (& veterans) of 2 exremely powerful items that can be found rather early, and that can make those 'really' hard battles survivable..
1): Amulet of Fungus, found in Emridy Meadows, : Summons random fungi once per rest.
2):Childs figurine, found in swamp north of Nulb west south north, in the trees, use TAB to highlight. Summons
Theese two items can summon enough help to get you party started on an early offence, even where there are more than 10-20 enemies. They sell for only some CP, because theire 'Evil', but their usefulness can be explored to the max.. You do not lose xp for summoning & killing your own summons.
Carry on, Mulligan