by Wade_Wilson Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:19 pm
I would recommend getting the Crescent Falchion from area 4-1, which is the the Shrine to the storm king. Its not too far into the level and deals magic as well as physical damage and should really help you get through the mines. It also slowly regenerates your mana points.
I would also recommend 4-1 because you can get:
1: A compound long bow, which is in my opinion the best bow in the game.
2 The Kliji* which is a good curved sword
3: An Uchigatana
4: The adjudicators shield, which provides 2HP/second regeration as long as its equipped.
5: The Ring of Regeneration, which provides 4HP/second.
6: The soul of the adjudicator, which is the area boss. He appears as a large, fat humanoid with a golden crow atop him. Hitting him anywhere will not damage him, but if you attack the bleeding cut on his stomach he will collapse and give you 10 seconds to combo the golden crow. His soul can be exchanged for the Regeneration miracle which provides 1% health regen over 100 seconds and stacks with other healing equipment, or the Meat Cleaver, which is a large hammer which deals both physical and magic damage, scales S in Strength and Dexterity, and "A" in Faith and also gives you 1% health back per hit. However, you will not be able to create this weapon until you beat most of the mines.
Defeating the bridge in 1-2, and the boss "Tower Knight" at this point is optional as you will not be able to progress beyond the Tower Knight without beating the entirety of a particular area.
I hope this helps, sorry if I rambled a bit.