First, decide what role Griss will fill. Sounds like you want to go tank to help protect your damage dealing mage?
So, on that, some notes:
In the ultra early game, Agility is more helpful. That's do to the fact that every armor point matters, and there are some really nice Light weapons in the early game. However, that quickly mellows out. So don't make long term plans based around the first few dungeons. You might end up with a high defense Griss that struggles.
Griss can learn Heavy Hand. That requires STR 4. Heavy Hand is the more efficient use of Skill Points for total damage output. Consider how few Trait points Companions get, that limits where you can place her points.
Griss can learn Body Development. That requires END 4. Keep in mind that hitpoints are based on per level basis so low to mid-levels won't see too much of a difference.
What that boils down to is that a shield Griss is more optimal with a 1-Handed weapon with a focus on STR, END. One design path is to invest in her STR until she gets to 4, than END.
The
Explore Gauntlets can be acquired fairly early. They give a +1 Agility. So using Griss' starting stats, that would give her a total of 2 Agility, which will increase her attack with 1-H weapons. That also sets you nicely for when you get the endgame gloves that boost agility.
My current playthrough is using Griss as a shield person. Her current level is 12 with the following stats: STR 6, END 2, AGL 2, PER 1. That includes the +2 STR belt and the +1 AGL belt. She's got skill points invested in Whilwind, Shield Expert, Fury, Cleave.
She's running around with 25 armor, and 215 hit points, as equipped. That's pretty solid for the early to mid-game.
Long term, I plan on getting her to END 4 and learn Body Development.
I am undecided if I'll re-set her to become a 2-H beast in a few levels ---but-- for your purposes, you might prefer to keep her as a shield tank for your mage.
