Wulf, try hanging out near the boundary of arnika road and arnika/trynton road. Try to lure the cultists et al over to you, hit them as best you can, and before your group drops, run into the other area. Heal up there quickly, (you won't be followed) then go back and wear them down some more. I know exactly the kind of group you're up against and they can be a pain early on.

The worse part is how far NPCs can cast.

They can hit you with a fireball or Silence spell - and if you try that same spell, and it's max level, it won't reach them. Pisses me off that they can silence my casters, yet I can't silence them, because it says "Out of range."