I've got my skills perfected, a high dam roll, and a lot of hp. Usually that beats any mage combo that can be tripped, and most warrior combos unless they've got their skills up to and are packing a LOT of damage.

Make friends with a thief, duergar, or other assassin and loot his shinies. Rank out of his range and hope he doesn't catch you alone before you've got better stats from gear/practicing.