I can help you, I have a male and female character. the Male character Takashi is on lvl 5 quest wearing a rathalos plate, gauntlets, and tasset. he is wearing Hornet Greaves (which I do not recommend, they are armored tights lol) and a Hornet Helm (Which I do recommend, cause it looks freakin' awesome, the full set makes you look like a samurai, just a lot of Machalite Ore. Kill Barasios hes made of it). Okay I dont recommend Kut-Ku armor, good physical defence and good ability (small attack boost) but it doesn't protect from Fire, horrible water resistance (trust me u will need it for Plesioth *level 5 quest*). lets see level 4 quest............if u can keep yourself from getting hit, u should get some Velociprey or Genprey gunner armor (Blademasters can use it too). I know Velociprey gunner armor (Cap and Vest) protect from fire by 5 points, which is really good. Also for the Golem Blade, capture Yian Kut-Ku alot till you get what you need (Lg. Monster Bones and Wyvern Claws or Fangs i cant remember, I got the Valkerie Blade on my female character) because you will be fighting Rathalos l8tr at the end of the lvl 4 quest.

Well I hope that will help you, tell me if you need more help i'm always free to awnser them bye BTW my name is Terry