I guess I'll weigh in on my preferences.
As for marching orders, etc. Padraig primarily uses a longspear, as I created him as a second-rank melee combatant. That way he's got reach and can stay central, getting as many allies as possible in his aura.
My usual aura will be the senses one (+2 to spot, search, listen and initiative.) When we enter combat I'll usually switch to energy shield, 4 points of fire damage to anyone who attacks an ally with a melee or natural weapon.