Make a Rogue 2, Fighter 1, Barbarian 1, Ranger 1, Cleric 1. Nice saves and skill points (assume Rogue as starting class). Pick Strength and Luck domain. A bit of healing, rage and other cool abilities does not hurt.
A character should not have that much problem with a necklace of strangulation. Just have your budy sunder it with his big sword. Just make sure he does not chop your head off :)