I did fine against skeletons with a flint axe and shield before hearth and home. I felt like the axe wasn't working as well against skeletons in H&H, so I tried the club. Maybe if I buffed up the axe to level 3 it would work better. I've got the deer armor - I haven't killed any trolls yet. I like to wait until I have bronze arrows before I take on trolls. Before H&H I also found the brass mace to be great against skeletons and dwarves. I just need 6 more damn smelting cores to make some brass gear.