would anyone consider using a whetstone to drop DI completely? You would get 5 slots and 500 points to play with, is there something you would take over DI?
For instance if you go slayer w/ talisman the DI on weapon is wasted, no?
I have a suit with 100 Di on it (on jewels as well obviously), max HCI/DCI, max LMC, +30 stamina increase, 10 SSI on suit (25 if I use shield and cloak which gets me to 55 SSI) enough Dex and Str to get me to 120 and 50 EP to get me to 150 in both with pots. resists are full as well with fire being around 100.
This suit was VERY expensive to build but I think it was worth it.
I am using the whetstones and you can make some incredible weapons with all 5 mods available.
The drawback is that you need to use pots really, but once you get used to it, it is no big deal.
I am starting to use the shield in most cases as well. Unless I really depend on pots during the fight. Since it never gets damaged, you can use almost everything from shame. I am using a shield with 10 SSI, HCI and DI (both not really needed), Soul Charge, eater, FC 1 and some stats. It is brittle/cannot be repaired but not cursed. And thats the only important thing really.
Tbh, I don´t notice much difference in how often I get hit when using the shield. My parry is at 60 though...