I would appreciate any advice that can be offered for this build.
I'm about to join in a new game that, I'm told, is likely going to span levels 1-6, so I needed a build that came online early.
I decided on a Halfling Fighter [Unarmed Fighter Archetype]. I don't have attributes yet, because I'm awaiting the DM's decision on what point-buy we will be using.
My intended feat progression is as follows:
Level 1: Improved Unarmed Strike (bonus from archetype), Crane Style (bonus from archetype- I do not need to meet the requirements), Cautious Fighter.
Level 2: Blundering Defense.
Level 3: Weapon Focus-Temple Sword
Level 4: Dodge
Level 5: Crane Wing
Level 6: ? (currently thinking Deflect Arrows or Uncanny Defense, not sure which is more useful).
The purpose of this build is to fight defensively to generate a luck bonus to AC/CMD for adjacent allies. With all feats and 3 ranks of Acrobatics, I'll get +6 dodge bonus to AC for -2 to hit, granting adjacent allies +3 luck to AC/CMD.
I originally wanted to use Helpful (Halfling) and Bodyguard, but the only way I could do that is to take Combat Expertise at level 3 or 4, and I wouldn't be able to get Bodyguard until the game is nearly over- I'm not sure if that would be worth it.
I'm going with Temple Sword because the Archetype's version of Weapon Training only grants it's bonuses with unarmed strikes and monk weapons- the archetype gives me (as near as I can tell) proficiency with the same exotic weapons the monk has proficiency with.
Traits: allowed, but I'm not yet sure how many we will start with. I was debating on Rice Runner to get Acrobatics as a class skill, to increase my mobility on the battlefield. I've also debated trying to fit Skill Focus in the build somewhere to make this more viable (although I could also take Mobility as easily, not sure which is the better path- I need 3 ranks of Acrobatics either way). Outside of that, I'm not sure what else would be helpful.
I'm not going to be able to use Weapon Finesse early if I want to start granting my allies bonus AC as soon as possible- even though I take a -2 to Str, thanks to the size bonus, I won't be losing out on attack over a race that gains no bonus to Strength. Not great, but there it is. My hope is to end up with 14+ Str and Dex after racials, and hopefully enough Con to grant a few bonus hp.
Even if Acrobatics becomes a focus, I'm thinking to give up the halfling +2 bonus in order to get 30 ft. speed- I think I'll end up needing the extra speed far more.
And that's about it, I figure at level 1, with studded leather, I'll have an AC of 15+, which will rise to 20+ w/ fighting defensively (although my chance to hit is probably only going to be +2, I don't think that's good enough, but it is what it is).
I can quickly upgrade to chain shirt and masterwork temple sword, from there my priorities will be magical armor, and a +2 Str belt. Then ring of protection +1, amulet of natural armor +1- you know, the basics.
And that's it. I have no idea if the build is viable for play or not with such a narrow window. Thank you in advance for comments.