Notes from author
This build is still a work in progress, but is designed to be flexible enough to meet the weaknesses of any foe. As opposed to picking the strongest spells, or the lightest armor, this build prioritizes solid defense with efficient endurance management. One utilizes a Lightning Balder Side Sword for a balance of speed and range, while keeping close-range Pyromancies on the right hand to use with the shield. Magic attacks are saved for long range, but combining Homing Crystal Soulmass with other short-range attacks can cause heavy damage at medium range.
Fire Orb and Heavy Soul Arrow yield higher damage over time than their immediate stronger spells, Great fireball, and Great Heavy Soul Arrow. What is lacking in instantaneous punch more than makes up for in variety of attack, and the surprising crowd-control abilities of the Side Sword (wide-arc slash, and long-range thrust).
Heavy Soul Arrow takes 4x longer to cast than Great Soul Arrow, so it's best used as a long range spell. Other spells are currently being experimented with, and the build is flexible enough for multiple shields.
Again, this build is currently being tested, but it seems to work well for just about any occasion. If facing PvP foes with answers to the lightning sword, it never hurts to keep a maxed fire or magic balder side sword handy in the top options of your equipment menu for fast switching. The moonlight butterfly horn also works as an alternate. For magic foes, using the crest shield may be a better option, or the dark hand for maximum elemental coverage.
This set is not the strongest, but it does not pose any major weaknesses either. Combining abilities at the right time will likely ensure victory, while chipping away at foes with elemental damage.
