Resorting to Ice-counter or n+1 -> def -> n+1 is a very poor tactic for warriors in Mabinogi. Learn how to use and time your Windmill correctly, and you will not even need Counterattack or Defense on your hotkey bar. Refer to our videos if you do not believe us. Even in early game, correct use of Windmill will not even let the monsters touch you unless you lag. Do your research before you go into a dungeon and try to understand their AI.
If you are just starting out, you do not need any armors yet. Do you want to kill not concern? Below are for early/dish. You said you should not be hit, so you do not mention counter and defense. What did we say up there? You want to grind where you can kill things in one combo, so that you do not need to rank up unecessary late-game(buy Mabinogi Gold) skills such as Counterattack or Defense.
Most of Mabinogi's monsters have a very strict pattern they follow. If you get hit on Mabinogi, then it just means you messed up. You are not supposed to get hit in this game, you will feel this as you go into higher level(Mabinogi powerleveling) dungeons. 1 a fatal blow from the ghosts and grade 1 defense and a higher defense armor will most likely to eat more than half of the health. Early level defense and counter is poor and waste. Focus on your damage, if you want to grow quickly and successfully.
