Arcane Strike vs Power Attack

[revaar]

So, a bit of background:

The Boring Stuff:

I'm playing an Archaeologist Bard (with a dip into Lore Warden Fighter) in the Shattered Star AP. We just hit level 5, and I am taking my third level of Arch-Bard. So far, I've been a bit of a switch hitter for the party, alternating between taking potshots with my bow when I have a clear shot, disarming and tripping with my whip when a foe needs disabling, and front lining with a finessed short sword and shield. The rest of my party consists of a Reach Paladin, a Buffer/Healer Oracle, Gunslinger, and Illusion/Evocation Sorcerer.

Here's my current pertinent build stats:

Stats:

Str: 14
Dex: 18
Con: 10
Int: 16
Wis: 7
Cha: 15

Feats:
Lingering Performance
Weapon Focus (Whip)
Whip Mastery
Combat Expertise (Lore Warden Bonus)
Weapon Finesse

Traits:
Vagabond Child
Fate's Favored

I am looking to up my damage output, and I am torn on whether to take Power Attack or Arcane strike for my 5th level feat. So far, I have not had issues hitting things, so the penalty for power attacking might not be an issue, but I'm worried that things will be getting harder to hit from here on, and I might just want the stable +1 from Arcane Strike. Additionally, I haven't acquired a magic weapon yet, and unless I find one, I'll be focussing on buying protective items first, so I might want the ability to be magic to bypass DR.

Halp?

[EntrerisShadow]

I would recommend Arcane Strike.

Bypassing DR will be way more important than the +4 for -2 hit trade off. On 3/4 BAB your progression is too slow to make it really worth it anyway.

[Victor Zajic]

No magic weapon seems to weigh in favor of arcane strike.

But power attack is the stronger option. I played a very similar build in Kingmaker, and when I got power attack was when i felt I really started to do more than just tank in fights.

However, you probably can put off power attack until you get a second attack, or eve +8 BAB

Be aware that the whip stuff gets much less effective at higher levels, so you might want to look at retraining them and getting both feats if allowed.

Pick up Mirror Image if you don't have it yet, it's a game changer for a frontline dex fighter.

[Hawktitan]

I'd almost see if you could switch out a trait for magical knack, bumping up your caster level to 5 would make this an easier choice.

Personally I lean towards Arcane Strike, especially since you are on the fence about aquiring a magical weapon.

[Renegadeshepherd]

Arcane strike first then power attack later. Honestly arcane strike is enough but since ur an archeologist u can afford to do both and have good damage output. The problem with arcane strike is that even with ur lingering performance ur going to have 2 swift actions u want to take (arcane and ur luck performance). Action management is a factor in ur decision.

As for power attack hurting ur chance to hit... Ur somewhere between a 3/4 BAB and a full BAB. I think ur most comparable to an inquisitor honestly and every good inquisitor I've seen took power attack, assuming melee. I've played that inquisitor a lot and I had a good hit rate.

[Reynard_the_fox]

For any 3/4 BAB class, I usually only take Power Attack if I'm going high-strength two-hander. For a switch hitter, I would definitely side with Arcane Strike, especially since it lets you make sure ALL of your weapons can overcome DR/magic.

[revaar]

It seems like the majority opinion is Arcane Strike. I think I'll probably go for that one. If I'm still lacking for damage in a few levels, I can always pick up PA too.

Thanks!