I now have 21 pieces of iron left. This is what I build when thinking about your suggestions
New ship, check
lvl 2 mace, check
Max lvl banded shield, check

And oh boy these tools have come in handy!
Had to go out of my way to look for another swamp, and finally after a day of sailing found one. Saw the distinct trees and quickly made land to meadows that I was passing by. There is some trouble tho; between the meadows where I now have temporary landing base and the swamp lays small sliver of plains, and it's misty day.
Had forgot how big the lox are and tried to creep by them but fulings (they are ok enemies as far as they aren't starred ones) keep on homing in on me. The lox did not like the fighting at all and after a mad dash to safety tried again from different angle only to be greeted by those flying death machines! One failed parry turned into block took away 60hp in one sting but I'm now proud owner of 3 needles

Will teleport back to home and lick my wounds over the night before trying again. Hopefully it will be clear skies tomorrow