I recently started Honour Mode too (I just completed Hiberheim) with a Lone Wolf Mage and a Thief with 7 CON and I don't remember any trouble with the first fights in terms of damage input, I just play it safe like everyone is saying: I use the thief to scout alone places that I remember to be dangerous, get the best equip every 3~ levels, in fights cc the ranged and destroy the melee (and use those choke points), in scripted fights (Braccus Rex, the madman near the church, etc.) do what you are expected to do. So far I risked to be wiped only once and was in the fight near the river, before the cave with the Sparkmaster, because I wanted to end that fight fast.. bad idea!
And agree with Crest's post, but.. a speedrun? That would be cool
