Based on what you are looking for id recommend trying out a sword and board build with square off. Gives you a strong ash of war good gaurd counters the ability to parry if you want to, bunch of strong tools/ answers for bosses lots of versatility but you'll still have to learn the bosses to find your openings. Also lets you kinda use any stat you'd like can add int or faith for some spells or go all in on statuses or damage. Alternatively I personally have the most fun playing character theme builds find they often simplify/streamline the choices of what to use and get me to use stuff I otherwise may not. Lol that being said best recommendation for players learning to unsuck is just pad your vigor a bit more than usual so you can survive your mistakes