I've been using an off-handed Old Wolf Curved (Great)Sword while also wearing the Pontiff Right-Eye ring (Both give an initially small but increasable damage boost with consecutive attacks). I typically equip dual-weapons as the L1 and L2 attacks, when used appropriately, can quickly grow this damage boost effect, making some fairly simple combos quite possibly lethal. The curved greatsword will grant its buffs even while on my back, and will even restore health after a large number of hits much like the Pontiff Left-Eye ring would.
This is a gimmick test of Iron Flesh (it has exceptionally low requirements) this spell reduces damage taken somewhat (Except for lightning!) but the real benefit is being exceptionally hard to stagger (Interrupt) so I can use my attacks as freely as my stamina allows. I currently have the Winged-Knight Twin Axes equipped and their weapon skill allows me to spin until my stamina(fp is important too) is depleted. This is one encounter during some tests with the gimmick, with some extremely OP gestures involved.
![](https://s2.save4k.ru/pic/dvvb6DuK6GE/maxresdefault.jpg)