Hello experts! I am not really all that new but I can definitely say I am inexperienced. For the time I've been playing, I've just kind of moseyed along without really looking into how to properly stat, build and gear myself. I have recently started looking through threads to catch hints of how I can improve my play but I just thought I'd ask directly.
My style of gameplay is pretty much tank and auto-attack. I used to wear full plate and started to struggle at 'growing storm' arena level barely completing it even after having to exhaust all potions. I used to cast five-point shadow veil and protection whenever they came off and depleted my MP rather quickly. Never really bothered to use spirit until very recently since I didn't find it necessary to use. I usually just hop on to do arenas hence the very low proficiencies.
Some of my questions are:
-Is 3x heavy, 2x cloth ideal? What would be a good mix otherwise? Light any good?
-Which prefixes and suffixes should I look out for/is purchasing from the bazaar worth it?
-Is mace the best 2h?
-Which abilities should I be using?
-Which abilities should I get? Should I max any buffs/debuffs or just keep one point?
-What should I stat?
-What is a good tip towards leveling up?
AND
-What are some generally useful tips you can pass down?
I am open to all criticism, suggestions and the like. Any assessment of my situation is welcome and greatly appreciated. (And of course if you have equipment you think I can benefit from and you tire of, don't be afraid to sell it to me!)


