So i've recently started playing Pathfinder and due to my inexperience i'd like some advice on how to make a good Empiricist, preferably one which is both Combat capable and useful outside of combat. Please note that i've left traits out of the character information below because we're playing without traits, and that the stats were rolled.
Race: Half-Orc
Class: Empiricist
Ability Scores: 11/16/17/20 (18+2)/14/16
Racial Bonuses:
Ability Score Racial Traits: +2 applied to Int
Skilled: 1 additional skill rank per level
Bestial: +2 on Perception Checks
Burning Assurance: +2 on Diplomacy Checks
City-Raised: +2 on Knowledge(Local), Proficiency with Whips and Longswords
Skills:
Bluff: 3 Class Skill + 3 Ability Score + 1 rank = +7
Craft (Alchemy): 3 Class Skill + 5 Ability Score + 1 rank + 1 Modifier (applied only when crafting alchemical items) = +9/+10
Diplomacy: 3 Class Skill + 3 Ability Score + 1 rank + 2 Modifier = +9
Disable Device: 3 Class Skill + 3 Ability Score + 1 rank = +7
Heal: 3 Class Skill + 2 Ability Score + 1 Rank = +6
Intimidate: 3 Class Skill + 3 Ability Score + 1 rank = +7
Knowledge (Local): 3 Class Skill + 5 Ability Score + 1 rank + 2 Modifier = +11
Linguistics = 3 Class Skill + 5 Ability Score + 1 rank = +9
Perception = 3 Class Skill + 2 Ability Score + 1 rank + 2 Modifier = +8
Profession (Cook) = 3 Class Skill + 2 Ability Score + 1 rank = +6
Sense Motive = 3 Class Skill + 2 Ability Score + 1 rank = +6
Spellcraft = 3 Class Skill + 5 Ability Score + 1 rank = +9
Stelath = 3 Class Skill + 3 Ability Score + 1 rank = +7
Feats:
Weapon Finesse
I've been advised to get a Mithral Shirt as soon as possible to boost my AC early on (something which I definitely intend to do), and perhaps replace it with a set of Bracers of Armor later on.
In terms of combat i'm thinking of getting the Weapon Focus (Rapier) feat along with Fencing Grace (once its out). Later on i'm thinking of getting Master Alchemist (and perhaps pair it with a set of Amazing Tools of Manufacture designed for alchemy).
As for Talents, Quick Study is a must at level 5 along with Combat Inspiration at lavel 9, and i'm currently considering getting the Trap Spotter Rogue Talent at level 3 and Amazing Inspiration at level 7.
Regarding weapons i'd say that getting an Inspired Rapier is an obvious choice.
Would a more experienced player care to give their opinion on which feats, magic items/weapons, Investigator Talents to get?
Any help is appreciated.