So though I say new to game I have effectively played three characters. That being said none of them have lived passed level 4, we have had three total party deaths. Thus I am attempting to make an optimized character that is both cool and can survive/dish out some pain.
Having read the advanced race guide the merfolk seem to shine in terms of raw power when it comes to stats and natural armour, their speed however is lack luster. That's why I would like help building either a Barbarian, for their movement boost (combined with strong tail), or a druid who I imagine will spend a good deal of time in wild shape and the movement will be dealt with.
Really any advice in terms of feats, or specific builds would be appreciated, go nuts!
Well, to be honest...
For a player new to the game, I would never recommend the wierd/complex/rare/difficult options like druid and merfolk.
Merfolk only have a speed of 5. A barb is still only 15. Many GM's would say you always have things like the fighting from prone penalty since you can't stand. So You can't use the good weapons.
That said a melee focused wildshaping druid can deal huge amounts of damage.
But they are not the most survival oriented class and are very easy to screw up. They are 3/4 BaB, d8's, and expensive to get anything better than hide armor.
The most survivable class is probably the life oracle and they are a blaster if facing much undead.
Second is probably a paladin, cleric, or inquisitor.
Third is probably a tanking fighter or barbarian.
As much as I appreciate the warning I do have a good understanding of the game mechanics and have played a fighter twice already, I like the druid for its role-playing potential and battlefield versatility. Any advice on a build would be appreciated though.
Have you asked your GM if he will let a merfolk function effectively? Seriously I would ask that first. I would not let one stand up to use any 2 handed weapons. Fighting from prone will give you all sorts of penalties. A druid can't wildshape all day until high levels.
If you are determined to do it anyway. I would read the druid guides and post an initial build for people to critique. There are so many possibilites, I wouldn't know where to start making suggestions without knowing what you are looking to do.
Will mention I saw someone play a plant species caster (can't remember what class) that was always on a small magic carpet to get around being almost immobile. But it is unlikely that you can afford that yet.
If you can figure out a land or land and water animal companion that you could ride around on, that would get past the mobility problems. Maybe riding an alligator, giant frog, or snapping turtle. Then you could be a mostly caster druid when you aren't shapechanged.