Fighter Journal, page 1.

Hello all, I'm back.

This august I was forced to re-evaluate my views on game balance in unmodded DS1:LoA, after starting a fighter for "the heck of it".

It was a co-op play with my father, who rolled up a combat mage. (we both used female characters, but that's a story for another day)

So we set off at Elddim. I bought a sword, my father bought a fireshot. We went through the Illiarth Valley and cleared our way to the Ancient Crypt. So far it was rather evenly matched, the only difference between our progress was that I was chugging potions more often. No problem, I said, as it is multiplayer, loot is aplenty, I'll have more than enough to fill my pockets again should I have to.

Our first problem arose in the crypts. While I was doing decent damage, and my weapon was always top notch (tarnished gladius first, then bent flanged mace second, both are best in slot for their level), my father soon got Acid Gas, and started to get ahead. It was my idea though, as I've experienced the power of that spell just a few days before, while playing single player.

However, that would help me little, as I needed 12 strength to really get my footing as a fighter, and after the crypts, the Krug Grunts started appearing.

Just in case you need a reminder: Krug Grunts take your life in 4-6 hits, and since I was lower level than 3, my chance to hit was worse, and I was more likely to get hit.

So that was a tough half-hour to look forward to.

Later on, when I got it, and no longer lagged a level behind, I was pretty well off. My armor was significantly better, I was one-shotting grunts, and it was a far more satisfying experience than before, but one thing was clear: The game had just begun.