Dark Souls

[Pete for President]

Alright, went back to my new game + character.

Now, remember, he doesn't use shields, because shields are for sissies. He rocks a quelaags furysword in the offhand for amazing looks and parrying.
And I just beat new game+ ornstein and smough without the use of a shield ON MY FIRST TRY ^.^
Oh that felt so glorious.

I'm curious what other equipment you use!

WeaponsBalder Side Sword +15*
Murakumo +15
Fire Uchigatana +10
Black Bow of Pharis +something around 12 or 13

Armor
Thief Mask +9*
Wanderer Coat +10
Black Iron Gauntlets +5*
Brigand Trousers
(This is my usual setup, but when I'm in need of more defense I switch the top and bottom)
Black Knight Armor +5*
Black Iron Leggings +5*

Rings
Dark Wood Grain Ring*
Ring of Favor and Protection aka: RoFaP*

*I used this piece during the boss fight

My Vitality is capped at 30 to keep things interesting, with my dex and endurance at 40.
I'm working on my int to cap it at 25 for Crystal Magic Weapon, and it's at 23 right now.

It's a very fast, fun build. It's also quite fragile and I have to be quick or I die. I prefer it this way because it really keeps me on edge, especially in new game+
As an obvious side effect, I die quite often due to the low HP and lack of Shield (Missed parries man... they hurt)
I adore this build, don't know if I'll take it into pvp though... I may.

That sounds like a real challenge. From my experience I always encounter invaders with either destructive magic/pyromancy or the tank & smash build, but never the nimble warriors, let alone archers. I might do a no-shield run in the future too, it sounds really awesome!

As for my progress; I've reached Lost Izalith, where unfortunately the Catarina Knight died of poison after we fought the weird creatures in the collapsing room. Did get that nifty speckled ring.