I've started to play ToME and I've got no idea what I'm doing. I'm using experience from other RPG's to build characters. I notice I need to run away more often. I don't understand everything that is going on. Or how to build a character for the long run.

I am playing on normal difficulty. Have died plenty of times.
Some areas (despite being lvl 1 ' friendly') are hard for me to finish (especially final boss). Sometimes feels I'm missing part of my build to do it.
And what if I run, where can I go level instead... That's a question I'd like the answer to.