Notes from author
My personal melee build. Suits my style for claymore and, although I cannot guarantee I optimized the STR/DEX ratio for the 2H and 1H Claymore +15, with sufficiently skill this is approximately enough damage that is required for me to win with the Claymore moveset. Pyromancy flame is definitely utilitarian and although I have not acquired Black Flame yet despite buying the DLC Great Combustion has been working great for its stun potential, high dmg, quick execution, and no stamina loss; PW is also good if I feel that a berserker PW+RTSRing tactic is necessary to win. Grass Crest Shield obviously for free buff when 2H, and.95% dmg block is no chump, 5% dmg after armor modifiers is usually miniscule to your HP. Use Zweihander +14/15 for farming and for easy PvE with correct timing of the 2H RT/R2.
Worthwhile note is that Composite Bow with Feather is nice for this one.
Armor is built with sympathy to aesthetics while trying to optimize Physical Def, a balanced Elemental Def, and Poise under the constraint of maintaining <25% EquipLoad. I like the Gargoyle Helm for its high Poise/Weight ratio and its elemental defense is basically like wearing a Speckled Stoneplate Ring at +5; aesthetically, I like all the helms that allow me to actually see the face I designed with a million confusing parameters that nonetheless I utilize to make one I think is cool. The Gargoyle Helm is the best stat-wise that allows this, in my opinion. Although, it isn't my favorite one... the Steel Helm is the coolest, and full face exposure.
Alts: Swap RTSRing for RoFaP and add some Giant or Havel gear somewhere. Swap HavelR for RoFaP and reoptimize armor using BI Leggings, Catarina Leggings, HSW combo'd with Giant or Havel, MotF, MotM, experiment but focus on relatively balanced elemental def leaned towards whatever you are strategically weak to (weak to CHS, magic def; combustion, fire def).
Learn the Claymore moveset for this one and stay alert and change tactics accordingly.
