Notes from author
My take on a vitality gouge build.
This build does require some ring swapping. Wolf Ring for the 76 poise breakpoint, Hornet Ring for ripostes, Havel's Ring if you need to equip heavier weapons.
A good variety of elemental weapons helps to counter certain armors/spells. My recommendations being a Choas & Lightning infused Gargoyle Halberd, elemental Zweihander (2 handed), Choas Rapier for ripostes, elemental Shotel to counter turtling, an elemental spear (Partizan, Winged Spear, Demon Spear or 2 handed Pike) for poking and range, Lightning Avelyn for burst damage, and the Obsidian Greatsword (2 handed) for physical damage.
Raising int to 16 allows you to cast all of the sorcery utility spells (i.e. non damaging), Great Magic Weapon (to buff Obsidian Greatsword) and Strong Magic Shield, Great Heavy Soul Arrow, Dark Orb, and Dark Bead. This adds a lot of versatility to this build ad the expense of an higher souls level (sl129). Alternatively you could raise it to 18 int to gain access to Homing Soulmass and Dark Fog. Use the Oolacile Ivory Catalyst if you decide to take this route.
P.S When referring to elemental usually its best to go for either lightning or choas. The former being resisted less in pve & pvp and the latter having a higher AR. A divine weapon & occult weapon could be useful in pve (divine for catacombs & occult for certain bosses + enemies) but are less than optimal in pvp. Use your own digression.
P.S I am aware the armor is not optimized, you can save a few points of endurance by removing the Xanthous Overcoat and/or switching to Havel Gauntlets + Iron Leggings. That being said I find the current combination fashionable and pleasing to look at.
