I could use some "optimization" help and this seems the best place to turn.
Last night our group started the Serpent's Skull Adventure Path. I created a female ranger from Mwangi. I went with the Warden alternative ranger package, so I gave up favored enemies to get a favored environment at 1st level -- naturally, I went with jungle. I want to go full "jungle girl" with this, just play up the trope to it's full glory, so she is wearing "leather armor" (basically skins) and for weapons she'll have a spear, blowgun with poison darts, piranha-teeth dagger (no mechanical difference from a regular dagger), and maybe even a scorpion whip.
I had some trouble figuring out how best to "optimize" this character. Pathfinder pretty much demands careful thought and planning, and I ALWAYS screw it up somehow because I'm not that kind of character builder. I like concepts, images, personalities, and so I always run afoul of the dang rules.
Anyway, what seem like good choices for
• Str vs. Dex? I picture her more of a Dex character, though without a weapon that uses Weapon Finesse that is less valuable.
• Feats? I don't know what makes a good Spear Fighter. What feats are crucial? (She can also throw it.)
• Fighting Style? Right now I'm going ranged, but that could change and I saw one of the books has more options.
• Future class choices? I'm currently thinking ranger until about 5th, then maybe rogue or fighter...
I appreciate any insight you all might have for me.
And here's hoping 5E can "unite the clans"...
HB
Fighting Style, Str/Dex, Multi-classing, and feats will all depend on what you plan on doing in combat.
Do you plan on using spears a lot? Switching out with the blowgun when necessary?
Also you might want to consider another ranged attack for when things require a bit less finesse. Slings would work, as would bows.
If you plan on using the spear a lot, also consider if you plan on fighting from a mount a good deal of the time, or not.
If, instead, you plan on fighting from ranged a lot, you'll definitely want a better weapon than a blowgun for the meat-n-potatoes of your combat career.
So, what'll it be?
I was planning on using the spear as a primary hand-to-hand weapon, occasionally thrown then I'd switch to dagger or whip. I know bows and arrows are more mechanically practical, but I was hoping to do something more out of the ordinary.
I don't thinks we will have mounts. Most of this Adventure Path takes place in the jungle or in ruins.