Please help me choose my next character!

[jez]

My group is just about to start a new campaign and I'm stuck as to what to play.

We're starting at 2nd level with an 18 point buy. The GM prefers to just use core, but has said that he might allow us to use options from the APG with his permission.

The other characters are:
A human paladin-rogue
An elf fighter-rogue
A half-orc cleric with the sun and fire domains
A dwarf ranger focusing on ranged combat

I think, given that the others have picked characters that are fairly capable in combat, and that my last character (a half-orc paladin) was a bit of a star, that I would like to play a supporting character.

I'm not too concerned about playing an optimised character; I'm more interested in playing a fun character, but I want to be useful.

I have this miniature from Hasslefree that I really like. I was thinking of playing a Dwarf bard, and my initial concept was a middle-aged respectable scribe who could be the voice of wisdom in the party, but now I'm not so sure. I'd also like to have some kind of contrast with the other Dwarf in the party so that we're not treading on each other's toes too much...

Does anyone have any advice?

[Richard Leonhart]

play an elf wizard conjuration expert, possibly teleport from the APG (if minimal use is ok)

as a controller you are a supporting character, a wizard is direly needed and it's always fun to play a wizard. You have out of combat spells to screw with people.

[Abraham spalding]

She could be a gnome -- or heavy set halfling.

I really like bards -- but I warn you, bards can easily steal the spot light from the other team members.

It's not that you'll be doing all the killing -- you won't -- but when you throw down that inspire courage at level 7 as a move action and then good hope you've just gave everyone in your party a +4 to hit and damage, as well as a +2 to skill checks and save throws.

Next round you throw out a haste and your party is on mop up detail with a total of +5 to hit, +4 to damage, an extra swing, +3 on reflex saves, +1 on initiative, +2 on skill checks, and +2 on other save throws.

They get done and turn around realizing you just made them superhuman -- and that scares everyone at the table.

[Bruunwald]

Well, the first thing that jumps out is that your party is sorely lacking in the arcane arts. The nice thing is that you have two other multiclass characters in there, so you would not drop behind greatly if you took levels of bard along with something like sorcerer or wizard.

Wizard would fit your respectable scribe idea better and be more utilitarian, fitting in with your desire to be useful. But sorcerer would give you those bloodline traits, which can be a big help with a multiclassed character.

Not sure any of this fits with the mini, which I would use for a fighter/cleric of some Norse god.

[Dragonchess Player]

A bard/wizard (conjurer) could work; take Enchantment and Illusion as your opposition schools, since you can cast those types of spells with bard spell slots. Ask your GM if you can switch out proficiency with short sword and rapier for light hammer and warhammer for flavor and to match the mini; take Perform (Oratory) for chants and Perform (Percussion) might be a good fit for the character. Arcane Bond with an item is probably more appropriate than a familiar. Think about taking Arcane Armor Training as your 3rd level feat.

You probably only want to take 2-4 levels of bard at most, with the rest of your levels in wizard. Loremaster might be a good fit for a prestige class.

[Choant]

Go human witch! Arcane, some healing, fortune to buff and some debuffs too, whats more to like? If you want to avoid being a "star" don't take slumber or if you do be selective with your targets.