I wouldn't suggest whip flail unless you're only wanting to use it for pull/eyejab. Many years ago this would have been a much better choice but when the code was changed to allow the offhand to parry, eyejab/strip, became much less useful considering how horrible whips and flails seem to parry. Although, Hand to hand combined with the gnome parry edge works very well. Gnome dex is made up for a little because they're so small and that helps their dodge but the blunt vuln is very rough to overcome in some situations. I'd personally suggest hand/sword or hand/dagger. Something that can parry fair against zombies or multiple enemies. I lost about 1/3rd of my fights to a air/offense scion shifter, the Emperor Mummy, and Orcs. Also, it certainly doesn't help that Centurions, some Cabal Guardians, and all Necromancer zombies hit blunt. As an additional point, whispers and wise recovery works exceedingly well. If you're going STSF you may want to consider it because of the big boost to hit and run tactics.