How to beat second chapter reliably?

[Oceon]

Hi there, new player here.

I currently have a huge problem trying to make any kind of progress with chapter 2.

I cannot progress quick enough, as soon as I unlock the boat and ride with it, I get smashed to pieces by the vast groups in the grasslands. No matter what I do, I either die to an ambush, some stupid RNG, or the "Haunt" (Which I find to be a crap idea anyway.)

Any tips for a new player to get along with those groups?

Strangely enough I managed to beat the first chapter on master, which is why this is wild to me. I simply cannot make any kind of progress.

Im Running with this starter group.

Stable Hand: Gifted, Bonbon, Lockpick (For that sweet sweet first hit.)
Pathfinder with the Spyglass (For quick access to POIs)
Herbalist with gods beard and goldroot (For Healing of course)
Farmer with either the torch or a second pouch for camping.

Any tips at all? I am not trying to cheese the game but either time, haunt, or ambush beats me.

[Corp.fox]

Since the tree is always top left, pathing from top right to bottom right then bottom left is easier. Try to get vision scrolls for easier scouting. Usually the roads leads near the catapult but more find distance helps. The RNG can be rough but eventually you'll get it.