Notes from author
Overall well balanced build meant for taking on gankers in Darkroot Forest, Oolacile Township, Kiln of the First Flame, ect. Armor combination provides 53 poise and the maximum amount of physical defense possible while being weighed down by the Iaito, Grass Crest Shield, and Black Bow of Pharis. Nearly on par with Giant Dad builds in terms of damage resistance. Also gives good elemental and magical defense. Ring of Favor and Protection and Havel's Ring are self explanatory.
Meant to be used in conjunction with Humanity, Green Blossoms, Charcoal/Gold/Rotten Pine Resin, Lloyd's Talismans, and Cracked Red Eye Orbs as the equipped items. Blossoms and Resin should be applied before beginning any encounter, no matter how trivial it may seem.
Weapon choices were meant to provide attack capabilities at any range. Black Bow of Pharis allows for long range sniping or mid-range punishment/baiting. Iaito is great for close range fast attacks, dead angling, and causing a bleed-out hazard for turtles. (One should have a Shotel +15 for turtles as a back-up).
Pyromancy is meant to be used as an assault tactic as much as it is an intimidation tactic. Great Chaos Fireball causes heavy damage to tightly grouped gankers or those backed into corners. Black Flame should be used to break the opponent's poise, not necessarily to cause damage with one burst. Poison Mist and Fire Tempest are very situational, but can be applied effectively. Poison Mist can be used to set up a "fog" to allow for get aways. It can also smoke out someone trying to set up a trap or use Wrath of the Gods to knock you off a ledge. Fire Tempest is best used as a surprise attack in the township.
Staying mobile and being familiar with the environment are necessary to make this build effective in PvP. Use the elevator/cliff to eliminate gank squads when possible. Retreat at the first sign of trouble. If you are successful, gankers will be unable to touch you.
