Idea for a Themed Build: Shadow Knight/Cleric

So far I've only ever made fairly vanilla, less interesting builds, but I now have a desire to make a themed build, so I came up with this: http://mmdks.com/1bn9
I want to make a Shadow/Death/Darkness themed build, while avoiding a quality build style, so I came up with t a cleric using Gravelord miracles, the effigy shield, and an Occult Darksword.

If anyone has any input on what they think would do better, seem closer to the theme, armor choices, or weapon choices, I'm all ears.

your build is perfect

no need to change something on it

If you like the Darksword, then your build is near perfect. The only thing I would suggest is taking 4 points from vitality and putting it into faith.

You will only lose 70 HPs and gain AR.

Other than that, its really solid. Nice job.

Just a note; I'm not solely looking for a critique on my build, I'm also looking for any ideas for the theme, if people think it'd be better with Int instead of faith, mid roll with different gear, etcetera. The build I presented is just a template.

Sneezer wrote:...The build I presented is just a template...

Nice template lol.

The Darksword has a very bad moveset imo. You should try other dark weapons like Server, GLS, Artorias' Greatsword, etc. I have a similar build planned it's called Paladin of Velka. Pretty much a shadow knight.

https://mugenmonkey.com/darksouls/?c=456503099268565638

I think you should go Int so you can use the dark spells and GLGS Dance as your AoE, minimum Faith with Velka's Talisman. IMO WoG is more useful and you'll end up using it more as AoE if you go the Faith path. For a weapon you could go chaos since it goes well with a dark theme, or use Artorias' swords.

I wanted to use a straight sword so I kept in the category.
This is the Longsword version of this build at 120: http://mmdks.com/1cv0

I also have a more dedicated Darksword using variant, but we'll see how I like it's moveset after testing it with another character.

Any input or opinions?

Mate I like your build, but as an avid Faith user with many builds I'll share one rule of thumb I tend to follow: Occult for invading... so if you are intending on PVP I'd take that into consideration.
One of my favorite weapons is the Manserpent Greatsword and I always carry an Occult +5, a Divine +10 and MSGS +15 for buffs depending on the situation...

Sneezer wrote:I wanted to use a straight sword so I kept in the category.
This is the Longsword version of this build at 120: http://mmdks.com/1cv0

I also have a more dedicated Darksword using variant, but we'll see how I like it's moveset after testing it with another character.

Any input or opinions?

This is the Int version with dark sorceries and GLGS Dance. Black Cleric Robe arms look ugly with gauntlets, especially on males. Could look good with bracelets or gloves on females. This goes more to the shadow knight side than cleric, but fitting occult + dark spells is difficult at SL 120.

http://mugenmonkey.com/darksouls/?c=137827186216286160

Thanks for the contrasting ideas, I appreciate it.
As for the Black Cleric Robes and how the look; I use the large upper body physique, and it makes most everything I use look exponentially better than the average body, in my opinion. I can also swap the gaunts out for the Black Manchette if so desired.

Also; is there any actual difference between Occult+5 and Divine+10 in PVP? Other than maybe a couple points of AR?

None, I use them depending on theme.

http://mmdks.com/1d6o ?

I've only ever had bad experiences with the elementals. Only ever use them if I have no choice, personally.