I would set up shop near or in the Black Forest (even within sight of a swamp IF YOU DARE!) Start stock piling thistle man (and blueberries). You won't regret it. If you are a builder like me scout out a good spot for your next camp/base/fort/metropolis. Kill trolls and get that troll set for good sneak'n (stroll sets make good sets for corpse runs). Stock up on cores. Level that weapon and your bow. Level Block, level sneak. Make your Karve...become one with it. Use its storage to make full use of your trips. Explore coastlines to get a an idea of the lay of the land...

SNEAK... sneak... THEN SNEAK SOME MORE!

And don't punk/cheese the bosses... not necessary!