Looking for help optimizing a Samsaran Magus

[Nalita]

The base character is in the profile (it's a work-in-progress at present). In order to fit with a more Tian Xian flavor, I was wanting to switch it up to using a Katana instead, thus changing it out to a Strength based build. My present thought is to drop Weapon Finnese and Dervish Dance for EWP (Katana) and Toughness. Also changing my stats from 13 strength and 22 dex (with items and level ups) to 22 strength, 10 dex, and increase con from 10 to 12.

My problem is armor, as AC would drop 28 to 22. I could change my base armor to help rememdy this (thinking +4 mithril mountain pattern armor, keeping tian xian flavor) but that's only make it 24. The increased con and toughness would give me 22 additional HP to offset the armor loss, but not sure if 24 is high enough at level 11.

Any other recommendations would be appreciated. I'm still working on spells at present, and plan to take bear's endurance as one of my spells to also help offset low con.

[Petty Alchemy]

I eventually want to make a Kensai Magus that does the Dervish thang, because of this picture: http://fantasygallery.net/engle/art_13_Dreamfall.html

My plan is to just reflavor the Scimitar as a Katana for all fluff purposes (appearance). I think most DMs would be fine with it, you could ask your DM.

[Helaman]

Yep - thats the rub, you need the DM to sign off on the Katana = Scimitar thing for dervish dance. Some will, some won't. It would be nice if Aldori Sword Master style could be used for weapons other than the Aldori sword too...

Back to Natilia - a single level dip in Samurai at level 1 a) saves you a feat on Katana b) Gives a good range of skills - including social skills AND, depending on the Order you take, may give Perception as a class skill c) gives you access to weapon finese at level 1 - something you'd normally wait until level 3 for. d) gives access to a GOOD attack bonus from level 1 that you can build on at level 2 (your first level of Magus).

My Samurai Build for PFS

Strength 17
Dexterity 14
Constitution 14
Intelligence 14
Wisdom 10
Charisma 8

Samurai 1 - Pref Class Magus
BAB+1 Fort +4 Ref +2 Will +0

Trait: APG
Focused Mind: Your childhood was either dominated by lessons of some sort (whether musical, academic, or other) or by a horrible home life that encouraged your ability to block out distractions and focus on the immediate task at hand. You gain a +2 trait bonus on concentration checks.

Trait: Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play
Meridian Strike: Energy flows through channels in the body, like rivers through the land. Once per day when you roll damage on a successful critical hit, reroll any 1s and take the new roll (even if it is another 1).

Feat: Weapon Focus (Katana)
Feat: Toughness

Skills
Perception 1 (+4)
Survival 1 (+4)
Intimidate 1 (+3)
Sense Motive 1 (+4)
Diplomacy 1 (+3)
Ride 1 (+6)
Handle Animal 1 (+3)

I like 14 dex but this can be dropped to 12, and increase int to 15. Level 4 bump to Str, level 8 bump to Int to get bonus spell slot.

[Helaman]

AC at level 11... using the above stat block.

Mithril Steel Laminar Armour +2 gives AC 8 with +5 Dex bonus. Belt of Physical Prowess +2 (Str and Dex) gives you a +3 Dex bonus BEFORE you cats grace yourself. Mithril Fullplate or O-Yori maybe something you can look at too. Take Dodge as a feat.

AC 22.

Assuming you also use a shield spell? +4 Shield bonus. Haste is good for +2 AC too.

AC 28.

I haven't added in ANY deflection AC bonus items either.

[Nalita]

As a Samsaran, I need an 11 charisma to use the racial spells. Minor thing but I'd like not to lose it. This is a one shot character, and I'd lose too much for the 11th level of magus imo for the samurai dip, though if it was a character I was leveling, definitely something I'd consider.

Thanks for the info though, did get some more ideas out of it.