New player advice.

Hi all.

New to the game. Never played a souls game etc before. Played witcher and fallout so thought I'd give this a go and enjoying so far. Learning on the job with the game so any advice welcome.

I've started as a bandit and basically just leveling up exploring. Done a little research and know to level up vigor, dexterity and arcane. Am up to level 9 now. Basically spent most of my time in the blue area and traveled out a bit till I can't defeat or am not ready to take on the enemies in that area. Can lure with bow and kill all guards at the gate front but the main guy seems a bit to strong to take down. Been in the stormfoot but died a few times so have stayed away from that for now.

Any advice on weapons and amour as I've no idea what to go for or how/where to gain them. ( Going for bow to start attacks and finish them with blade. Would like to go with a blade in both hands and forget the buckler) Also advice on where to head to try level or should I stay where I am for time being and get stronger?

Thanks