I'm planning on running Queelag's Furysword, Pryohand, with a shield and Soul Spear spells. A good mix of str, int, and dex will work out to a pretty decent build.
I killed the dark knight at the top of a spiral staircase right after the red dragon and just before the Boar guarding the gate. Dark knight gave me his shield

very happy with that shield!
I've already been invaded twice. It really sux when I can only do 28 dmg to someone with my most powerful spell. ..although now that I think about it I think he might have just been blocking.