[HoneyBadger]

Keep your paths in mind, too. If you are able to cast Quickness, lose the Jade Armor and replace with something else. If you've already got fire, just cast fire shield and get a shield of gleaming gold instead-Awe isn't easy. If you don't have astral, then go with a pendant of luck and a wraith crown. If you don't have earth, go with marble boots.

You always want some kind of regeneration, unless your Pretender heals afflictions, or you've got access to healers who do the same thing among your forces. Ring of regeneration is the most obvious choice, but maybe not the best-I'd rather use hydra-skin armor unless my Pretender has immunity to poison, because then you're filling 3 functions with 1 slot-armor, regen, poison resistance.

I try to avoid low levels of astral with my Pretenders anyway, because then you avoid or win magic-duels.

Wraith Crown is an awesome helmet (I think it comes in purple). Slightly better protection than Starshine, doesn't require starting paths, gives you Etherialness, and a whole army of undead!