Darklurker melee build

Any tips on not dying in ten seconds if you can't use any magic and don't have any soul vessels left?/Any way to not have to go through a whole dungeon again just for another chance?/Any place to farm human effigies that aren't Shrine of Amata (where they've stopped spawning)? I only have foyur left and haven't beaten Throne Watcher and Defender yet either.