Regarding stats: Look at the stats of your weapon and you will see letters below the icons for strength, skill, bloodtinge etc. The higher the letter, the more effect upping that stat will have (example: If your weapon says B for strength and E for skill, you are best off if you upgrade your strength - that will increase its attack the most).How should the weapon stats effect your character? I'm using the saw blade so should I be putting points into anything in particular? Am I screwed if I eventually change weapons?
I'm in Old Yharnam now, is there a shortcut to unlock before this boss?
Yes, there is. You need to go past the hunter and into a church of some sort with loads of enemies. Then, when you find the exit to the church you will see a ladder close to the building. Climb up, and open the gate and that is your shortcut!