I'm new, I'm addicted, and I'm always looking for advice

I recently got this game on the ps3 and now I cant stop playing it. I've done a little reading online to familiarize myself with the game, since the game itself doesn't bother to explain anything and the manual is essentially useless. I never played Demon souls so I am very new to the concept of this game. I absolutely love it, at the moment I am a level 45 pyromancer I'm currently in sen's fortress. I have been loosely following an online walkthrough to help me figure out where to go. I have put the bulk of stats into vitality which is at 33 and endurance which is at 25. I recently acquired the lightning spear and had the resources to make it a +2 it's currently my main weapon, before that I was using a battle ax+7, my armor is gargoyle helm+2, elite knight armor+5, steel gauntlets +3, and elite knight leggings+5. I'm running with ring of favor and protection and havels ring. I was hoping to get some tips and advice, any thoughts on my build? have I made any grave mistakes? I am currently debating between finishing sen's fortress and progressing on to annor londo or laying low and backtracking for the sake of leveling and gaining more game experience.

I don't have any advice on your stats or equipment, the only thing I know to tell you is to work on your parrying. It will save your *** in Anor.

First off...

Welcome to the souls experience and the best souls forum!!!

Secondly, try this website: https://mugenmonkey.com/darksouls/
*Its hard to critique a build without specifics. However, what you've said so far sounds pretty good.
ESPECIALLY for a rookie. Kudos bro!

Lastly, just die. Play and die and play and die and then when you can't take anymore,
play and die and play and die some more...

There is still an enormous amount of story, lore, advanced co-op, advanced pvp, and other concepts of the game you have yet to unveil.

Best advice I can give you at this point....

If you get to a point where you realize you want or desire to become ample at pvp (dueling), then make this your
"test toon" because no one, and I mean NO ONE nails a build fresh out of the gates.

Good Luck and welcome to the club.

Nothing wrong so far new guy, but like Xach said, practice your parrying for the Silver Knights later on, of course dodging and stuff.

Welcome to the club!

For you first playthough I wouldn't worry about stats so much. Experiment with different weapons and armor. See what movesets you like.

Save your slabs until you know what you're upgrading. Slabs are too rare to waste on armor or weapons you won't use.

I also wouldn't start a new character until you finish the game at least once.

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum and Dark Souls.

I remember my first time in Sen Fortess that place was pure horror.
So good luck and have fun!

Welcome over here, Skitt!

Thanks for the advice, the website animaal linked is really helpful and being able to parry and riposte the silver knights in annor londo made things easier and the kills are much more satisfying that way (a lot more satisfying then backstabs) since my post I have made my way through sens fortress, annor londo, and ash lake. I have recently entered catacombs. Thanks again for the replies.

Welcome from me too Skitt

Keep your run blind and have fun much as you can- make the most of your completely new experience, you'll miss it once it's gone

Remember that everyone here will always help you if you ask for it, and have fun playing