exp penalty

[Swish]

You're actually in one of the better zones. Some careful pulls and you'll be okay - if you can grind it out til about L11-12 in the pit, move into Kurn's Tower and you're in THE best levelling area for 11-18/20 in the game. Also, if you can avoid killing any burynai it makes life easier in Kurn's as you're not instantly "kill on sight" to them.

Failing that, see if there's any other low levels around and pair up.

I wouldn't leave Kunark too soon as you'll be stuck for a monk trainer for Feign Death and teh various other skills (never rolled a monk to know what level you get each skill but there's a lot in the teens I think?).

EDIT: If you really want a change of scenery from Field of Bone, there's always a big wandering mob area outside of Cabilis in Lake of Ill Omen. I'd argue its a lot slower as you're running around more to look for mobs but its doable - stick to one of the walls and pull to there maybe [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] (mobs get more difficult the further away from Cabilis you go).