Perhaps I could offer a few tidbits.
1. Watch a play-by-post (PbP) of the same scenario you played, to witness how different characters play through the same experience.
2. Go back and request these easier scenarios: The Confirmation, The Wounded Wisp, The Frostfur Captives, The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment, and The Glass River Rescue. After the first scenario you will have currency to invest in better weapons and equipment. Also, you should be able to contact the Venture Capt. or Lt. to ask for these.
3. Or you could start out by requesting all of the Silverhex Chronicles. This is a collection of six quests specifically designed for first level characters. They are easier than normal, quick to play. You are, however, required to play pregenerated characters from-start-to-finish, but after accomplishing these simple quests you have enough experience for a second level character of your choice.
4. Try being a cleric. Nobody seems to want to be a cleric (from my personal experience), but everybody certainly appreciates the player who does. The Domains are really interesting, and give you Wizard spells and special abilities. They make you more than a healer with a weapon (recommended domains: Fire, Travel, Weather). You can choose two domains, but your god restricts your choices. I personally have dipped a level of experience in the class, to ensure I had a character that can heal companions by channeling energy and using cure light wounds. By dipped, I mean that my character is currently 5th level. Four of my levels are sorcerer, and one was used on cleric. I personally saved two of my companions from death the very next scenario. They were brash and always tend to play without strategy (lucky for them, I was prepared for this).
5. See if a friend will attend with you. I find there are less deaths when you have 6 players fulfilling a needed class in battle, and achieving the needed skill checks (scenarios are more difficult with 4 players). Also, listen carefully to the information given at the beginning of the scenario, and take notes. If you have fulfilled the points of the quest and creatures attack, go ahead and run. You still get the gold and experience (like I said) as long as you achieve the task at hand.
