I played Dark Souls many times, and I kinda hope your character carries over, or at least get something for playing the first one. I can't wait for DS2. I beat the game at least 5 times, and since then, I've been going around "invading" ppl and giving them items. I know it was hard for me, so I'm trying to lessen the stress and frustration for them. Also, if you didn't know, if someone, helper or invader, drops items in your game, YOU can pick them up. So, if someone is in your game and they drop 99 or 999 soul items, you can pick them all up. BONUS!! Lol