Welcome to the board, Eagle Eye!!!
So have you killed the beast yet?? Hope so - he's not that hard to off by the time you actually get to him. The only monsters which are out of proportion to character developement are the Salads - that doesn't mean the monsters aren't a challenge but that only the Salads can be met long before you're ready for them! (well, that's what I think)
Have fun and keep us posted on how your game it going!
Wyv