How would one avoid dying to the first monster they encounter.... again and again and again?
Well, I'm not sure what you've been trying to fight... But here's the first steps I follow when I start a new game.
1. Join a temple
2. Join a melee class guild (mercenaries, arena, or paladins)
Equip your gear
If you joined the arena, type 'F' and set up your extra attack
3. Join a magic using guild (college or mage guild)
4. Steal money from the ATM
5. Join the thieves guild
6. Check the pawn shop for useful items (ie boots of speed)
7. Buy some food (5 buckets should be fine)
8. Travel to the Arch Druid (If you don't know where he is, try talking to the Oracle in the hedge maze)
9. Travel back to starting city
10. Join the explorers guild
11. Talk to King and/or Oracle to find out where to go for your quest.
12. At this point you should be level 4 without ever having to swing a weapon or cast a spell. More then powerful enough to survive your first fight.
Extra Tips
1. Take your time when exploring the dungeon. Make frequent trips back to the city to identify/sell loot to the thieves guild.
2. Take the arena slowly. It gets hard rather quick and there's (almost) no way out once you're in there
3. Remember you can 'H'unt in the wilderness
4. Use your mana wisely. You have to level-up or pay money to recharge it.
5. And remember, this game is more about magic then melee
6. The hedge maze is DEADLY! A single trap or out-of-depth monster in there will ruin your whole day. search frequently and be prepared to run.
If you need any other tips, I'll try to help. However, I cannot claim to be an expert.