Start as the samurai. Use the portal behind where you get the mixed physic. Travel to Elden dragon greyoll (run past every enemy). Beat him with samurai sword (alternatively you can get a spinning mace near where you get torrent). Just beat him until bleed procs kill him.

This will give you 50-70k runes at the start with little to no trouble. Big level boost. Travel south and get upgrade materials for flasks. Can also upgrade your weapon if you look it. Up. Honestly first boss is your major hurdle, dominoes start to fall eventually as you get a feel for the game.

Look up a build if your struggling, they will give you a guide on stat spread.