Moderately optimizing low-level characters (up to 6th level)

[Yora]

I usually don't pay anny attention to the efficiency of feats, equipment, and spells and just pick what I think looks nice on the character. However, working on a campaign setting, I want the premade NPCs to not be too bad and have a bit of a punch behind them. Most build optimization guides seem to target high level characters, but I expect most of the NPCs I'm going to make to be in the 3rd to 7th level range, and so I need to know what good combinations there are, that become effective no later than 6th level.

Any pointers you could give me? If it can be done with CRB only, that would be particularly great, but anything related to oracles would also be welcome. The extent of my own knowledge doesn't go much farther than "power attack good for two-handed warriors" and "entangle is a great spell".

[ShadowcatX]

Really without getting into a single specific build, this is kind of hard.

In general:

2WF is a trap. (No, rogues / ninjas are not an exception, smiting paladins with a sword and shield are as close to an exception as you will find.)

Specialize. If you're going to be good at something, be good at it.

Don't lose caster levels.

Take the advice from the optimization guides, but focus on what they say for low levels. If they're suggesting you take 3 metamagic feats so you can specialize in a spell at level 15, ignore that if you're only going to level 6.

As to oracles (divine casters aren't really my forte):

If you want a melee capable build, build the character like you would a fighter, not a spell caster.

If you want a spell caster, build like you would a spell caster, not a fighter.

[SiuoL]

The barbarian with two handed reach weapon and combat reflex. Use it wisely and you will be fine. Don't spam rage as it is not good after it ends, also you don't have much in a day.

Fighter works decided with reach weapon as well in early levels. But what you might want to look at could be ranger with two kukri in hands.

Paladin just rocks if you build it right. Good saves and AC with good BAB, can wear heavy armor and cast spells! On top of that, heals! Might want to take 3 levels in fighter first so you can move normally in medium armor though.

[VRMH]

Once-per-day bonuses are great for NPCs, who usually don't have to do a complete adventurer's working day. A human's Inexplicable Luck feat for instance, is essentially an "I Win (this one roll)"-button.

[Mathius]

If you are going to be using multiple copies of of the same sheet, go with teamwork feats.

Here is a thread I started, feel free to add to it.
Mooks