Notes from author
Variant of the Duskfall Valkyrie optimized for hosting and invading as a Darkmoon. It is also at one of the arena's bracket caps so as to maximize options available. The main focus of this build would be the bow and rapier usage. Primarily harassing the opponent from range, then either parrying or backstabbing the opponent when they get impatient and bull rush recklessly. It has 32 poise which will carry it through any non-great weapon two-handed attack. Shield usage and toggle-escaping will be the primary method for avoiding being stun-locked by heavier weapons. The composite bow is, in my honest opinion, the best bow for usage as a "primary" weapon. It has the shortest recovery, the fastest firing rate, and the highest potential damage output. It also has a firing angle I find to be very comfortable when no-scoping, as "hard scoping" is practically useless and locked on shots do shit-all against a player with half a brain.
The build can use almost any weapon available. The rapier will be the primary weapon, but the Gold Tracer, Zweihander, and Claymore are all good alts for differing situations. Zweihander is the perfect counter for disposing of Brandon clones, as they do not possess the poise to get through a single 2hr1. Not to mention, most have no grasp of the concept of toggle escape. Gold Tracer is generally used against turtly opponents and hackers. I know many would recommend the Shotel, but the r2s are a bit slow for my liking, so I prefer to bleed through the shield. The claymore is a general alternative to the rapier. I don't have a real ruling for when I switch to this other than if I feel the claymore has a significant advantage against the player I'm up against.
Above all: this is not what I would consider a "nice" build. I got armor mainly for aesthetics and poise, but the point of this build is for all-out, no-holds-barred fights on a competitive level, and will be frowned upon in the "honor" community.
