🎀 Wisteria 🎀

but maybe it's easier to level up a two-handed weapon or a katana there, if you're building a fighter

The shield's strength lies in its blocks with damage reduction and survivability. The skeleton also has a certain synergy with a two-handed weapon, considering the last skill in the branch, but I can't promise that such a character will last long.

I could even make a mage in plate armor, haha, but it's just too much

It would require investment in strength, which you already have a penalty for, so I wouldn't recommend it. Mages already need to level up intelligence, spirit, and, if they don't want to limit themselves to buffs and spells with checks on will and perception.