If you start low level then go DN for the great self healing that will make you tankier than anything else on the field.

If you start high level I would take a in with wizard / palemaster / abjurent champion, but I would dip a single level in warblade for martial weapon prof and some nice strikes and a stance that helps you out.

A low level warblade / dread necromancer would be nice gish. Don't take to many levels of warblade, as you want spellcasting.