>does anyone have any
>tips for me? is there something i should be doing? i don't
>feel like i'm healing excessively. maybe the
>more-limited-than-it-appears healing mechanic is meant to
>force you to play more cautiously? but that goes against the
>speed of the game. i might not be taking advantage of
>rallying as much as i should since i tend to play with the
>whip form of the threaded cane and it seems to slow and weak
>to rally well


Step 1: Accept that the game does want you to dodge like mad and not parry as much
Step 2: Ditch the Cane (you probably picked up the badge that unlocks all starting gear, so I recommend grabbing the Axe)
Step 3: Make sure you are using the various special items when appropriate (this is the best pebbles have ever been in a game)

More than anything, I think you're just getting to realize why Threaded Cane is not the ideal "learning to play Bloodborne" weapon.

Also, the "proper" route through Old Yarhnam is to enter the building you are on-top when he starts shooting at you. Going across the roof and dealing with the spear-hunter is more a shortcut.

And there are two shortcuts to unlock on the way to your destination (which isn't the dude with the gatling gun).