[Vedran]

[img]smile.gif[/img] Welcome to Ironworks, acronym! [img]smile.gif[/img]

The most of games introduce gradually harder enemies gradually, but here, you can easily be outnumbered by far superior foes. The beggining is very difficult, all those bears, wolves, even gibberlings can easily kill any first level character. Mage in Friendly Arm Inn is one of the hardest opponents in the game. The point of all that is to demonstrate that you're lost in the big world and all.

Don't go astray to Lighthouse, Peldvale, ankheg area, etc. before you are strong enough to handle it. There is always a place with enemies comparable to your level and skills.
Avoid fight whenever you can, a first few levels can be raised purely by diplomatic quests and errands. Remember, you can always come back when you're stronger.
Use missiles, many enemies are not too fast, and they can be stuffed with arrows until they approach.
Use spells, disabling ones (Web, Stinking cloud, Horror, ...) for weakening enemies; protections and buffs (Chant, Bless, Drow upon Holy Might, Strength...) for preventing damage and toughening your party.
Use summons, not only for cheese, but for any situation that is too hard to handle.

Don't be afraid of cheating. If a game is too hard for you, beat it with cheats once. Next time, you'll know the interface, enemies, tactics, and it will be easier.
Hell, I cheated my first going through it (though I regret it now).