Help me choose my class

[mrgdawg]

I've got a friend that's in town for the weekend and going to DM a homebrew campaign for us. Everyone is new to PF and table top RPGs.

We currently have: Elf Sorceress (Fey bloodline)
Half-Elf Ranger - Archery

So the question becomes, what class should i choose?

Restrictions: core races only, CRB, APG, UC, UM classes.
We get a 25 point buy.
So the question is Tank Vs. Healer??
I'm leaning towards a Cleric, but heard its not the easiest to start with. I know that I'll enjoy whatever i choose. The Monk does seem intriguing too.
(not starting an argument, but Bard is out of the question. I just cant get past the mental picture of some Jethro Tull looking dork hitting BBEGs with a flute while dancing around)

[Mr. Damage]

Cleric, carry a tower shield but don't bother with the proficiency and you can drop the shield, if needed, but shouldn't do so unless it is critical. Stay in front of the archer, as long as he is closer to you than the enemies are then there is no cover penalty. Also, you will be very hard to hit so git in the way alot!! If being fired upon just use the shield to provide total cover per the rules. Be the bottle cork in narrow and restricted areas to protect the Sorceress and Archer. My two-cents.

[Blueluck]

A Paladin would really shine in this situation. They're outstanding tanks, and good combat healers. For healing up between fights, get a Wand of Cure Light Wounds - which a Paladin an wield:)

[Ursineoddity]

Go with a cleric of Gozreh. Take the Growth subdomain to gain enlarge person on yourself as a swift action a few times a day. Sure there are better favored weapons than trident, but at least it's one handed and frees your other hand up to use a shield. In a pinch, you can even throw it. If you're willing to forego the shield, you could play a half-orc and wield a greataxe. 25 points gives you plenty of flexibility, you'll be a decent tank with channel bursts for healing. Gorum might even offer better tank options, I just like the idea of the "free" enlarge.

Clerics are plenty easy to play, certainly at low levels...the hard part is picking from all the options available. It seems like a tanky/battle cleric is what you want/need for this group, so that narrows it down. There are plenty of guides to help with specific builds.

[mplindustries]

I agree that a Paladin is the best option--why choose Tank or Heal when you can do both?

[Atarlost]

It depends how much gaming you'll get in and at what level. At level 1 cleric is probably the way to go. Prioritize physical stats with only a little charisma and wisdom and you get a tank that can heal at level 1.

At level 3 the meathead cleric starts missing out and at level 5 he's garbage. If you plan to play more than very low level clerics need balanced stats that in combination with their lower BAB make them inferior tanks to paladins.

Level 1 paladins are kind of lame. Level 2 paladins are much better. This is also when your archer ranger buddy can actually be a competent archer (yay not getting one of your signature build defining abilities at level 1). Lay on hands gets better. At level 3 the paladin is a solid tank and pretty good healer. If you focus on boosting lay on hands you can heal enough for a 3 person party at low levels past the lowest. All you need to fight is power attack and good strength. With 25 point buy you can get good strength and good charisma.