I was feeling kind of nostalgic for DOS games, so I decided to download Arena and try her out. I can't even get out of the prison! I rolled a Breton Battlemage and those rats and goblins are hewing me to pieces. I get killed in about ten hits, and I only have enough spell points to cast one fire dart. I usually end up charging in with my blade and killing them, but they weaken me too much for me to do any good against the next mob I encounter. What am I doing wrong here?

Are you resting to restore your health and magic points?
Are you resting on raised areas?

It won't let me rest on the raised areas where it says I should be safe from enemies. It gives me the message: "There are enemies nearby!"

Try backtracking to an area where you have already cleaned out

i had to find a map online to get me out of there. and when i got up a level bandits appeared when i sleeped and they kill me. i am now heading south from some thirgon park place and i die from lots of theives.

Buy atleast 50 true healing potions for every dungeon romp. The game might feel hard but its possible to overcome thats the whole point of the game. I almost gave up too until I managed to beat it and now Im almost at the end (last staff piece).

i had to find a map online to get me out of there. and when i got up a level bandits appeared when i sleeped and they kill me. i am now heading south from some thirgon park place and i die from lots of theives.

Don't sleep in the wilderness; find an inn and rest safely. If you encounter someone in town, run.

HARD?
I thought arena was easy as crap!

But use potions and rest alot

i barley managed to make it out of the dungeonn and when i do i get pummled by monsters in the city

i barley managed to make it out of the dungeonn and when i do i get pummled by monsters in the city

There are suggestions in this thread that should help you.