Any possibility to have some range, take it. It may not be much but with an enchanted bow (fire et al) you may deliver quite a few blows before melee contact! I like the shadow knight (lvl 19 currently) and the skeleton helps. but I recommend getting your Health and Strenght up this will protect/help you in close combat.
The best Character I have sofar is the Cleric (lvl 21)! The Hammer spell is indispensible! .. it makes me burst out in a song.. "..if I had a hammer.."
