Whips and spears on a thug for repelling?

[Shovah32]

Repels aren't terribly useful. Try a fire/frost/shadow brand along with a shield - probably charcoal, but vine works too. Throw on boots of quickness and he should be killing 2 squares full of enemies per turn and either burning or entangling (great with trample. Consider boots of the behemoth, possibly with jade armour) anybody who attacks.