Wow, that was rough! I started a new game and went to the Welkwood Bog. I created a fighter, cleric, rogue and wizard so they are all level 1. I didn’t take any of the NPCs from the town. Killed a group of kobolds without too many problems. Found a passage that led inside the crypt. Lost to another group of kobolds but won on my second try.
I let the wandering monsters pass without engaging and got to the lich when he was by himself. He wrecked me many times, but I finally beat him. I needed to rest and around 8 giant rats attacked and wrecked me. Reload. That happened again several times and I finally was able to rest.
Lost to the kobold seargent and the other enemies a couple times and finally beat them. Went back to town and finished tow quest and made it to level 2.
I’m not sure if I should have created a fifth character for my party, or hired an NPC but it was tough. Not sure my group of 4 level 2 characters will be able to beat those giant frogs on the way to the moat house.