pick a build for LV 2 PFS (need help)

[Renegadeshepherd]

hi all. Ive tried 3 different variants of the same rough idea and im not sure which is the one to go with. ive liked em all but I still feel something is missing and if someone has an idea im game. As yet the "group" is still in flux so I cant say who will have what.

build 1

human support cleric of nethys negative channeling(positive also at 3)
protection/defense and magic/divine domains
fort+4 reflex+1, will+5, initiative +2
feats: selective channeling, improved channel (DC 16)
channel 8 times

build 2

half orc of same principal as above with a few differences...
sacred tattoo alternate RT, divine favor trait.
fort+6, reflex+4, will+7, initiative +2
feat: selective channeling
channel 7 times (DC 14)

NOTE: 1 and 2 at level 2 will buy full plate armor and tower shield to get AC 23 or 24 despite suffering a -15, I think, penalty to attack. I never plan on attacking beyond casting that doesn't touch or channeling so im fine with the penalties imposed on me.

Build 3

Make a druid. this was a suggestion from a guy in the group I played with and it makes some sense to me. He was of the opinion that I if I like supporting and doing some damage I could go this route. Would like advice on if this is valid criticism and some options if it is.

I take tips on any of that. thx all

[Mapleswitch]

Pretty much every class has a 'support class' option. Many classes have ways of healing - some more effective than others. If you are planning on taking full plate and tower shield, you might want to consider a 1 level dip into fighter for those proficiencies. Ideally, how are you thinking of playing your character? What roles in a party would you like to have?

[nate lange]

Mapleswitch wrote:

Ideally, how are you thinking of playing your character? What roles in a party would you like to have?

this. what kind of 'support' do you want to provide? druids can be a lot of fun, but if you want to be a tin can full of HPs they're not great for that... a cleric with a 1 level fighter dip really would fit that mold really well though; if you want to buff, get in some melee, and be able to heal a little bit a bard is great for that kind of support. it really does come down to you figuring out how/what you want to do.

edit: for a commander-type support character bard can work as can a cavalier (or archetype that provides tactician abilities), and hoenstly the Battle Herald PrC is probably something you should look at.

[Renegadeshepherd]

Mapleswitch wrote:

Pretty much every class has a 'support class' option. Many classes have ways of healing - some more effective than others. If you are planning on taking full plate and tower shield, you might want to consider a 1 level dip into fighter for those proficiencies. Ideally, how are you thinking of playing your character? What roles in a party would you like to have?

a young and inexperienced commander leading the troops is the concept. Joan of Arc is a fair comparison as she was said to have never lift a sword for a long time in her campaigns but boosted her troops so well they fought like demons. with my domain choices I got three different methods of boosting without a single channel or spell.

I will never even pick up a weapon beyond maybe a wand. I will also be the mouth but that's about it.

[Mapleswitch]

Hmm... Joan of Arc. I think she would likely fall into the Evangelist archetype of cleric. (The abilities of the archetype - not the name) Have you looked at Arcane Duelist (Bard Archetype: once again the abilities - not the name)? I can't imagine Joan of Arc as a druid, an oracle, or a ranger. Have you looked into the inquisitor or paladin class/archetypes?

[Renegadeshepherd]

Inquisitor is overplayed by me and paladin is martial in nature so I disregard it. The evangelist is something I thought of but that would still leave the question of half orc or human?