How do I get more armor and weapons in Demon's Souls?

Check the Demon Souls wiki for where to find better armor and such otherwise I headed next to the second world(stonefang tunnel) and beat both the armor spider and the dragon before going back to the first world, that seemed to work for me. I think a melee-oriented character might have more luck going to the third world(tower of latria) because the enemies in the second have a stronger defense against melee weapons but are weak to magic. I personally prefer the Royalty cl because it starts out with the fragrant ring which regenerates your mp so you can repeatedly cast soul arrow. Hope you can progress because the game gets better and better:) (but not easier)