Originally posted by GeekGirl717:

I didn't know villages even exist... I typically die before I get too far. I guess I will try exploration vs. immediate building?

Villages are just small collections of the ruined buildings you see scattered about. There may not be any villages near your start point but any of these ruins make a good first home since you can just throw down a bench and repair them without it costing you any materials. Then you just replace the missing bits, add a fire, a bed, maybe a chest or two and you're good to go.

Pick up all the sticks and rock and, of course, any berries and shrooms. You're going to need it all. Usually I head downhill to the water and collect all the flint I find to make a stone ax as soon as I have a roofed workbench.

When you're not being attacked knock down the saplings growing all over. This will get you wood and build up your unarmed skill so you can better deal with the greylings that keep pestering you. Make a club or stone ax soon, though. Either of those are much more effective than your dukes.