So I have a long ramble as to my desires to build an Oracle at my blog (there are pictures, too). But I can probably do I more focused presentation here.
I am hoping to build something other than a Cleric that can fulfill a party's need for healing. That is the primary reason why Oracle looks appealing, but there are also some features to the class that seem to fit well with crafting one as a type of fighting (Tian) mystic.
However, I cannot wrap my head around how to make an Oracle who fights. The Flame and Life mysteries seem to lend themselves to substituting (in a way) for the blaster mage or the heal-bot Cleric, but still maintain a good deal of flexibility.
Maybe part of my problem is a desire to make the character Tian (or at least from the Empire). I keep trying to find a way to -- at some point -- wield some cool Eastern weapon to add to the flavor.
At any rate, this is the most viable option that I have been able to manage, and I am of the opinion that it is suboptimal to the degree that it could potentially be a drag on the party. (It is also entirely possible that there are errors in the creation of this character.)
Male Gnome
STR 10 (±0)
DEX 16 (+3)
CON 12 (+1)
INT 12 (+1)
WIS 12 (+1)
CHA 17 (+3)
AC: 18 (Touch AC: 14) (Flat-Footed AC: 15)
HP: 10
Fort: +1
Ref: +3
Will: +3
BAB: +0
INIT: +5
CMB: -1
CMD: 12
Move: 20'
Mystery: Metal
Curse: Clouded Vision
Revelation: Steel Scarf
Traits: Etymologist, Reactionary
Feat: Weapon Finesse
Spells:
0-Level Guidance, Detect Magic, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize
1st Level Burning Disarm, Cure Light Wounds, Shield of Faith
So this character can hit a little (+4 to hit, 1d8 damage with the scarf), has a decent AC for a starting PC, and (from a RP perspective) gets to be a linguist. The limited vision melee fighter has some appeal, and it seems to blend in well with how I imagine Tian culture. As for being a gnome, I have avoided playing 'smalls' all of my life. But Pathfinder has found a way to make the gnome interesting to me. I just don't know if making this kind a character a gnome makes any sense.
So, to any and all who have a better way to make an Oracle who can go into combat (or suggest a good progression for one), I am open to all kinds of advice and feedback.
Thanks,
TMc