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So I'm working on a concept of an agile, katana-fighting samurai who follows a strict code of honor.
This will not involve levels in the samurai class. This will instead be a swashbuckler/paladin multiclass.
The keystone of this build is the Slashing Grace feat, which allows you to finesse a one-handed slashing weapon and use it for swashbuckler class features. A katana is such a weapon. On the paladin side, I will be worshiping Shiziru, Tien goddess of ancestors, honor, sun and swordplay.
Race is likely to be half-elf, both for katana proficiency from ancestral arms, and for dual favored classes.
What would you say the ideal balance of swashbuckler vs. paladin levels is. I plan on at least 2 paladin levels for save bonuses, and at least 5 swashbuckler levels for weapon training. Any thoughts on how to mix the remaining 5 levels for a PFS build?
Finally, samurai don't use bucklers. What's a good use for my free off-hand aside from laying on hands?
Unfortunately, I don't play PFS...so, apologies if some of these suggestions don't necessarily fit within the limitations of Society play. We tend to just use the rules and what we enjoy - within the GMs guidelines.
Two levels in Monk, Master of Many styles and the Mountain- Turtle style gives you a shield bonus when not having anything in your off hand. The advanced feats allow for this bonus to add to touch, IIRC. Crane Style is also useful.
There's a trait (sorry, don't have my books with me...working, so I can't rememeber exact names) that offsets the penalty for weapon expertise by 1.
Kensai Magus is something you might want to look into, or a Fighter using the Free Hand archtype.
Duelist PRC might also be to your liking. Adds a bit of damage.
None of it is what I would consider 'optimal', but can be fun and efficient. I did the fighter/monk/duelist for a 'Blademaster' style character, once. My regular GM is big on flavor, so I can say I'm wielding my sword two-handed, and not lose my perks for one-handed, as long as I don't take any of the benefits/feats/perks/etc for two-handed (i.e. damage bonus, and the like).