I make a point lately to try setting portals on new islands, particularly if they seem potential for gain. As the rng map goes I was trying to bypass plains to get to swamps that did have crypts, even saw a slime boss summon pot surrounded by water. At the time I was equipped with troll, altogether just under 40 defense, and essentially my scouting setup. As for the site of my last demise it was a patch of meadow near to swamp, to my fool choice I was setting camp while fending off graydwarves