So, while looking for the best ways to use the "horse master" feat, a shenanigan allowing 2 full-level animal companions was discovered (original idea by Arassuil). So, despite the fact that it's very cheesy, and I'd probably not allow it myself if I where GM, I've been having a lot of fun with theoretical builds lately so I thought I would try it out to see what others think.
Now, the basic jist of this build is as goes: Cavalier 4/ Beast Rider (the rest). You can do whatever you want, as long as the cavalier archetype keeps the "expert trainer" ability, which allows you to qualify for the "horse master" feat. Per se, you only get access to your full powers by level 16 (when the beastmaster gets "strong bond") but it's still functional the rest of the time.
Here's a preliminary (range-based) build:
Race: Halfling
25 pt build:
Str 10 Dex 18 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 15 Cha 15
Luring Cavalier 4/ Beastmaster 12
Main weapon: Longbow
Mount: Wolf
Animal Companion: Roc
1 Point Blank Shot
2
3 Rapid Shot
4 +1 cha (this is for flavor mainly)
5 Deadly Aim
6 Precise shot
7 Horse Master (This allows your mount to continue growth)
8 +1 Wis (here, you can choose the animal companion. At the moment, it will be pretty low-level though)
9 Boon Companion (This compensates a little, but your animal companion is still weak vs your mount)
10 Manyshot
11 Clustered shots
12 +1 Dex
13 Improved precise shot
14 Pinpoint Targeting
15 Iron Will
16 +1 Dex (at this stage, you get the "strong bond" ability, which equalizes ranger and druid levels. With boon companion, your animal companion has level 16. Thanks to horse master, your mount is level 16 as well)
Any ideas to make this more effective? Would the various "mounted" feats be worth it to reduce bow power? Are there mounts that would be better? I'm fond of the wolf (it's the most interesting "allowed" mount, since beast rider isnt possible here), as well as the roc (i love flyers).
Note: I'm also thinking of making it a skirmisher, and I'm curious to know what people think are the best skirmisher powers. They are quite interesting, but I know little about them.