Well, it is not unheard of legendary adventurers being humilated by kobold archers...
First of all. Boost your defense before offence. Shield and dodge are your best friends ever. Shield is a bit more reliable, though. Always start with some points in one/both. Armor user gives much smaller benefits, but one or two points may be vital if you don't want to loose all your speed while wearing armor. Well, ARMOR. If you try to kill someone without wearing it - be prepared to be dismembered in a blink of an eye.
Next. Never move TO your enemy (exception is archers). Let him make first move and confess your love by bashing his brain out. If you have decent speed (and one need a decent speed) - you can walk away until targeting ('A') will give you a green shot. Remember - novice adventurer can be expected to hit something only at green (yet, 50% of attaks still would be dodged/parried/blocked by experienced opponent). And the chance of counterattack is pretty low. When you get to legendary levels, you can try even red targeting, although I won't recommend it.
About wounds - when you are wounded, you lose speed (bruises don't count). And it becomes easier for the opponent to finish you. So? Try as best as you can to avoid injuries. And if you get a serious wound - better retreat while you can.
Attributes. Main are Strength and Agility. Second priority - Toughness, Endurance, Willpower. Third - Senses, Focus.
Strength means more damage, more muscle and more weight (which is not always beneficial). Agility is dodging, speed and movement. For me, Agility is better.
Also, you can lower most of attributes not mentioned. Social Awareness and Empathy give you more companions, but in the end with skyrocketing fame you will still get 20 even with low values.
So. Dodge, Shield, (Armor), Weapon skill, (Fighter), (Swimmer/Observer/...). Agility & Stength, Toughness/Will/...
Start with demigod. And try to train yourself a bit on small (!) animals (not "Tame" if possible, as it will anger whole civilisation).
Bonus options, somewhat close to cheating: Ambushing & Throwing
While you 'S'neak, no one can notice you while you have at least 3 tiles between you and enemy. Grab a few rocks, knap them and throw at opponents. You will boost attributes as well. Killing enemies with sand, water and blood is fun, yet not too logical.