It's not important to go "fast" through the game so don't worry ... little by little your hero become more epic
I'm starting around 11th of march this year a new hero and I'm stil only L 19. Already playing at least more than 70 hours ...
But I'm very happy with my build and so much more ... I've a fantastic time playing the DKS
Level 19 now, almost L 20 (rest me 7910 XP to gain)
Skillpoints left : 1 + 5 (from mindreading all my servants and Sassan)
Stats are with the complete Set of the "Blood Echelon Armour" equiped - (Stats naked)
Vitality 61 (47) - HP 590 (465)
Spirit 16 (6) - MP 327 (178)
Strength 12 (9)
Dexterity 8 (8)
Intelligence 38 (27)
Skills + (skills on current equiped gear)
Summon Ghost 5/5
Summon Mastery 2/5
Master Herbalist 1/5
Hide in Shadows 1/5
Fear 2/5
Fireball 1/5 (3/5 = + 2, Earrings)
Firewall 2/5
Mana Effic. 1/5 (4/5 = + 2, Helmet of Amdusias & + 1, Scorpion Necklage)
Stun Arrows 2/5
Ranger Stealth 1/5
Healing 2/5
Wirlwind 1/5
Lockpick 4/5
Potion Effic. (2/5 = + 2, Bracelet)
And I've many other equipment that can boost my skills or add other kind of skills to my build (seemingly Jurdenson is somewhat "collecting maniac"

) like :
* Amulets with : Ranger Stealth, Rush Attack, Explosive Arrows, Hide in Shadows, Wisdom(+2), Way of the Battle Mage(+2), Destruction(+2), Summon Mastery, Summon Ghost .
* Bracelets with Mana Leech(+2), Blind, Hide in Shadows, Master Herbalist, Rush Attack & Wisdom .
* Earrings with Blind, Summon Mastery(+2, loot from Evil Sassan), Mana Leech, Jump Attack.
Rings with Confusion, Regenerate
*Weapons with Ranger Stealth, Regenerate, Confusion, Jump Attack, Weapon Expertise (Arben's & Brightblade)
* ... and probably I forget something to add ...