Hi everyone. My group is wrapping up Curse of the Crimson Throne and will be playing The Mummy's Mask next. I've decided to go with a halfling with the Adaptable Luck racial trait Archaeologist Bard. I hope to capitalize on the luck bonuses with the Fate's Favored trait and the Adaptable Luck feats, but also want to explore other ways to support the party as well. I'm not terribly concerned about being an effective combatant. While I have no problem min-maxing, I prefer playing themed characters, which I find to be more challenging and fun than simply decimating the opposition.
My idea is that the halfling is a tinkerer, historian and a bit of a jack of all trades. We're using a 15 point buy, and thus far my stats are as follows: Str 14 (-2) Dex 7 (+2) Con 12 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 16 (+2). I know, Dex is terrible. I wasn't sure how I was going to flesh out her personality while I was coming up with build ideas until I felt like a clumsy halfling would make for an interesting character. To offset the hit to Dex, I'd take a level of Lore Oracle with Sidestep Secret and Lore Keeper as an Extra Revelation for Cha to knowledge checks, which seem to fit the theme rather nicely, with Tongues as the Oracle's Curse. And Divine Favor is a first level Oracle spell.
I have a few questions. Beyond the luck bonuses, what other support can I provide? I know there are spells like Good Hope with its morale bonus and Moment of Greatness to double a morale bonus, plus the courageous weapon property, but those come online later in the build, especially if I multiclass beyond Oracle (I'll get to that in a moment). I've considered boosting Aid Another with the Helpful Trait, but my heart is leaning toward Magical Knack instead to boost the CL of Oracle for an additional +1 luck bonus with Divine Favor. Would Additional Traits be worthwhile to pick up Helpful? Or are there other ways to boost Aid Another? I know of the Bodyguard feat/Benevolent armor combo but feats are a precious commodity.
That leads me to the multiclassing issue. I imagine my halfling wielding a pick (she is an archaeologist, after all). But that means either grabbing Martial Weapon Proficiency or dipping Fighter. Two levels of Lore Warden will net me Combat Expertise, which would be a nice AC boost. However, I've also considered the Mysterious Stranger Gunslinger. Gunslinger also gives me MWP, and the idea of using a pistol makes me think of Brendan Fraser in The Mummy movies. A pistol would get me Cha to damage with a firearm as long as I have at least one grit point, though my Dex is terrible, so I don't know. Plus, the level two ability gives a luck bonus to will saves, keeping that lucky halfling idea going. If I do go Gunslinger, how many levels would be practical? I don't want to lose out on too many bard levels and Archaeologist's Luck increases.
Lingering Performance and Extra Revelation feats are essential, plus Fortunate One and Adaptive Fortune later on. I've considered Arcane Strike (with Gloves of Arcane Striking, helping Aid Another for AC). Beyond that, I'm not sure. The Well Prepared halfling feat, furthering that jack of all trades vibe?
Lastly, the Pathfinder Chronicler PrC looks like it fits the theme also. Has anyone played one, and if so, how was your experience?
Thanks in advance to all of you, I look forward to your suggestions!