Taking it slow is one of the keys. So is running away and paying attention. I have no rules but again, trying to not die much if at all... yesterday got hit by a dwarf invasion not long after first boss and had to run for my life for quite some time before I got clear. Also hit my first crypt in the forest (score! 12 cores!) and had to run out 3 times to heal, and the final 2** skeleton I just left him down there, it wasn't worth the risk and I had all I needed from the place. The didn't care if I die character would have gone back for the last bits of loot...

speaking of corpses can be looted, anyone ever die a few times @ home to make storage containers?