Agree with most above. Stick with troll. Get the best shield you can. A parrying shield is the first thing I've made out of any of the new resources unlocked and it is far better than armor.

From my experience the shield is your primary defense. If you're good with it you can walk the plains naked and be fine. Armor is there for when you're surprised, overwhelmed or mess up.

The swamp is very much doable with bronze shield, sword/mace and troll armor.