Also, I think elves counter intuitively may be more hearty. Stormies will probably only average 2 to 4 hp more per lvl, and elves will make that up with trains. Also, with any communing class Mana = hp, so a bigger mana pool will make you last longer in a fight.

Also, all shield dedicants are going to be a bitch in combat to hit, so iron vuln might be ok, except vs activated skills (aka run like hell from a iron dual wielding sword spec)

Also, elf over giant due to edge choice. Giants may not be eligible for Shield Flurry or Shield Riposte due to dex, don't quote me on that though.