Island of Lexet (1.0) -- southern half has a steady supply of goblins, who mostly pack 2-3 items including a weapon and something protective (shield, boots, etc) and some cash; so a good place for a newbie to get equipped [also has bunny rabbits and sprites, though I never fought them]. But its CROWDED.
Northern half has meaner critters - wolves and the odd bear, and poison spiders toward the northwest; if you want loot you're best left hoping for the computer to generate something lying on the ground.
The island also has 2 towns with lots of basic skills (some advanced add-ons) -- that's where Calista eventually picked up 13 skills [she's been at it more than 150 turns...]. It also has several dungeons for when you get bored whacking goblins.
-- tei