I'm also playing DS2 and loving it... had DS1 on the PS3 and loved the brutality of making mistakes in it, so having the PC port is great. It does however play so much better with an Xbox controller than M/K if you can bear with one for the learning curve.
Played to lvl 120 with a Sorcerer (Hexors gear is a great replacement from the base set until you can get the Lion set (then the Hexors hood is still better)). Recently started a sword & board toon as I found some rock hard armour, (as well as the sheild & sword) very early on in the game with my sorcerer so started this new toon to also loot it before I forgot where it was! lol
Let me know if you want me to tell you the location, oh and still using the gear at lvl 100!