Any keepsake (Stonesword Key recommended as you need one for the <a href='https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Green+Turtle+Talisman' target='_blank'>Green Turtle Talisman</a>, but you also get one in Stormhill Shack)

As you progress, level both VGR and END to 20

Your initial weapon and shield are OK to start and upgrade

<a href='https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Green+Turtle+Talisman' target='_blank'>Green Turtle Talisman</a> from Summonwater Village (northeast Limgrave) (requires one Stonesword Key)

Sacred Blade ash of war, dropped by a Teardrop Scarab North of the Third Church of Marika

Golden Vow Ash of War, dropped by a mounted Godrick Knight on the cliff southwest above the Deathtouched Catacombs when defeated (Stormhill, in the cliffs east of the colosseum)

Buy Great Helm from Nomadic Merchant in south Caelid

Let Magrit kill you to have access to Roundtable Hold

Buy Knight Greaves and Knight gauntlets from Twin Maidens in Roundtable Hold

Farm Noble's Slender Sword (longest reach straight sword) from Wandering Nobles among the Troll-pulled Carriage's caravan to the west of Waypoint Ruins OR keep using Broadsword (starting weapon) OR use any other weapon you like

Upgrade your sword, you can level it up to +5 if you farm Smithing Stone 1 and 2 from Limgrave

Farm Brass Shield (STR 16) from outpost nearby Gatefront site of grace OR just keep killing Godrick Soldiers and Raya Lucaria Soldiers throughout the game until one drops it

Once you get Brass Shield, raise STR to 16

Barricade Shield ash of war, dropped by Night's Cavalry at Weeping Peninsula

Curved Sword Talisman from Stormveil Cliffside Site of Grace in Stormveil Castle, in the dark room with the Banished Knight

Keep progressing through the game and leveling FAI to 29

Blessing's Boon (FAI 24), purchased from Miriel in the Church of Vows (Liurnia)

Aspect of the Crucible's Tail (FAI 27), dropped by the Crucible Knight boss in Stormhill Evergaol

Farm Mausoleum Knight Armor from Mausoleum Knights. Easiest one to farm is directly outside the Black Knife Catacombs entrance (Liurnia) (~3% drop rate)

Assassin Cerulean Dagger from Black Knife Catacombs in northeast Liurnia

Past level 50 keep leveling END and FAI as primary stats, and VGR as secondary stat

Templar Level 1-50