Notes from author
Lightweight build designed to get in and out of melee range with fast, damaging pokes from Ricard's Rapier and Darkmoon Blade.
Reasoning:
Uses the Sack because really, why wouldn't you? Sack is mandatory for real men, but I guess if you're not a real man you could sacrifice it and take a point out of Endurance into Vitality. Giant Armour and Hollow Soldier Waistcloth provide just enough poise to take 2 regular hits from a mediumweight weapon (Spear, Katana etc) wielded two-handed or 1 regular hit from a heavy weapon (Greatsword, Greataxe etc) wielded one-handed, while also taking advantage of the high defense bonuses from the Giant's Armour and still being light enough to use the Darkwood Grain Ring with Havel's Ring without a major investment into Endurance. Uses Vow of Silence because fuck Dark Magic.
Alternatives:
Gold Tracer instead of Grass Crest Shield is an option, but not recommended because of stamina problems since this build has low max stamina compared to other builds. Pyromancy Flame instead of Black Bow of Pharis is an option, but leaves you lacking long-ranged weapons somewhat in case you get into a ranged fight, plus Black Bow of Pharis is extremely useful for PvE while leveling up the character. Switching Vitality points for Endurance is an option if you feel you lack stamina too much. Sacrificing Wrath of the Gods to use something else or take two points from Attunement into something else is an option.