... So are you asking for them to remove the element of danger? If you researched equipment (15 turns) you could have put some defense on your sov and janusk and that would have made a big difference... not to mention if early exploration is your thing then you should pick traits that allow you extra hp, damage and also perhaps pick some armor on the sov creation screen. Out of interest what world difficulty are you playing on?

Ah I see. No then I do agree with you that in those first 20 or so turns you shouldn't have to be fighting monsters the like of which you described. They do need to address that at some point. To be honest I feel at some point the way monsters spawn on the whole will be changed, I can't see it staying in the game as a tech.

I've found getting a spear and researching the heal spell usually lets my Sov roam in the early game (note that while it may not be much use long term the sov ability that lets you get a point of magic research early is very useful for knocking out that first spell. I usually go with familiar as my second spell or enchanted weapon. Having enchanted weapon plus spear lets you rip through early enemies as your attack far out strips theirs and once you have heal you can usually string it out fairly well (attack until last move then heal).

Edit: Should clarify that this is a bit longer term than 6 turns; I usually avoid/run from those fights early on if I can.

-Starcrunch