I've also noticed that I take a bit more damage as a hollow than as a human it isn't a super significant amout but it is more. I try to play as a human as much as possible especially fighting minibosses and bosses because I want those sick drops.

Played part of yesterday and got to the entrance of Blighttown with the key in my hand. The most terrifying thing I've encountered so far is curse. It will kill you and then cut your hp in half. Luckily I scored a purging stone before attacking a certain npc. Also was invanded for the first time yesterday, when it happens you really get pretty nervous but Knight Kirk was a joke and he vanquishing gained me a humanity.

I think the next time I play I'm going to do some white sign posting because I'd like to farm some humanity and help some people out. I'm in the way of the white covenant currently so hopefully that will help. Speaking of summon signs I've managed to find two npcs that will offer there services, used the them for the last boss I had but they didn't even help out. I think you get less souls on killing bosses with them too.