Parameter Bonus

My Str = 13 / My Dex = 20

I have a regular spear with base damage of 80 and Str bonus of C and Dex bonus of C

I have the Winged Spear with a base damage of 86 and Str bonus of D and Dex bonus of C

Now when I compare the two the Winged spear has a Stat bonus of +29 while the regular spear has a stat bonus of +27. Shouldn't it be the other way around since the regular spear has a better Str bonus and the same dex bonus as the Winged Spear. The only other difference in the two weapons is the weight, the Winged Spear being 1lb heavier. I'm trying to figure this letter thing out so I can best match my stats with the weapons I have and the ones I will hopefully obtain in the future.

Letters are more of an approximate value. One "C" can be stronger than another. In this case, the Winged Spear's C is stronger than the Spear's C. And since your Str is very low, you're getting very little scaling from it anyways, most of your scaling coming from your Dex.

When you upgrade weapons, sometimes you'll notice the scaling letters stay the same, yet you're getting more scaling bonus. Other times, the letter will stay the same, but the after letter will be blue, indicating it becomes better, despite being the same letter.

Also, comparing letters between weapons isn't accurate either. A "C" on one weapon can actually be stronger than a "B" on another...

So BLA1NE, what your saying is I need to test it in the field to be certain.

Pretty much... You can find all the weapon damage ratings and scaling info on the wiki, but like I said the bonus you get from each letter is not consistent, so short of trying it for yourself you can't accurately predict which weapon will do the most damage.

Having said that, the thing you really need to know about Dark S0uls is that damage rating and damage done are secondary to a weapon's move-set. How well the weapon handles in battle, its speed, the versatility of its different attacks, and how comfortable you are with it, are all vastly more important than a few points more or less damage.

Example (using spears, since you seem to like them!): when you compare the Winged Spear with the Partizan, you'll notice the Winged Spear outdamages the Partizan slightly. However, the Winged Spear is a thrusting only weapon, and the Partizan is a thrusting/ slashing. The Winged Spear's R2 attack is a strong thrust that gets more range than the R1 attack; the Partizan's R2 is a slash with a very wide swing arc. So in practice, the Winged Spear is a better choice for pure thrusting, and the Partizan is a more versatile choice. Which is better? Neither; they're both good in their own ways, and which one you prefer depends on your play style (I prefer the Partizan!).

http://darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com/Winged+Spear
http://darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com/Partizan

Thank you BLA1NE, that was very helpful.

I actually like the long sword the best over all, but when being invaded I'm trying everything I can to get my first victory. Even a spear doing 1-3 points of damage. I think I'll give the Estoc another look as it seemed to have pretty much the same moves as the long sword, but with a better reach. Who knows, if the stars are right, when I get into the Undead Parish proper, maybe one of the bald knights will drop a Balder Side Sword for me to experiment with.

Just to give an example to Iron golems axe has a scaling of C yet gives +133 damage to an 38 str char. The blacksmith hammer also has a C but only gives +48.

Estoc is a very good weapon for PvP (so when you get invaded) because of its reach, fast attacks, and minimal cooldown. So you can hit an opponent very fast and roll out of danger right away. Its damage might leave a little to be desired for new players, but in the hands of an experienced player (you'll get there!) it can be one of the best PvP weapons.

In the mean time, for when you get invaded, I recommend you try the Claymore. Like a shortsword, only a little bit slower. But what you lose in attack speed, you more than make up for in range and damage. Also, its moveset is very versatile. Its running-R1 attack is especially useful against invaders, who will see you running at them and probably think you're going for a backstab, then you hit them in the face with your claymore instead! I recommend wielding it 2-handed, for best results.

Oh man, I love my Estoc! But, the Clay is a great weapon, powerful, and has a fairly small learning curve. Manserpent Greatsword is really good too.

Hmmm... Claymore.... Claymore.... ah! I can use it two handed with my present strength and it's location.... What!? On the Parish bridge guarded by a dragon!!!!

I'll have to work on that.

The dragon is easy to run past. Go up the stairs, hide behind the wall. Once he finally jumps down, run like crazy and save at the bonfire. He'll fly away and you can get the Clay.

Thanks for the advice reim0027, I'll give it a try. When you mean wall, I'm guessing you mean up the stairs, along the bridge past the end of the stair railing and duck in between wall and railing.

You're correct.

Your advise was spot on... the second time I tried. On the first go I waited for the second step. Sprinted by him. He hit me in the back with fire, but it only did 25% damage. I got back up and ran for it. Reached 20 foot from the door and he lit me up like a roman candle. As I died I noticed another spot on my right where I could have dodged into to avoid the flames. On my second go around A & B then I got to my feet and sprinted towards the doorway, but instead of going for the door, dodged right. No fire?! So I then sprinted for the doorway and as soon as I got through ducked through the right door. No fire?! Instead the dragon just flew off. I rested and kindled, then headed back to Undead Burg. You failed to mention the red phantom who showed up on the bridge to magic bolt me to death.

But the good news is I have the claymore and the portcullis is up, and I'm safely back in Undead Burg to test out my new weapon. Hey, even the dragon is back and working for me. I go up the stairs, give it an obscene jesture, then run back down the stairs, as it flames all of the undead soldiers on the bridge. 555 souls.... easy.

But seriously... thanks much!