Han Yolo
This Dhampir uses a scimitar, has a 25 point buy and is based on Walter’s Guide to the Magus as a foundation
Bard (Dervish of Dawn Archetype) 1
Magus (Kensai Archetype) 8
Swashbuckler 11
STR: 8
Dex: 18 (20)
Con: 10
Int: 15 (16) (Boosted every to 16 at level 4, 2 points dex/ cha capping at 20)
Wis: 10
Cha: 18 (20) Also possible as 18 INT/CHA.
*Note, these are the levels at which the class grants these feats, not necessarily the character level at which they are received. This also leaves 8 feats unselected, so the build is highly customizable.
(1) Improved Initiative (Go first and conquer!)
(1) Weapon Focus: Scimitar (Kensai Bonus)
(1) Dervish Dance (Dervish of Dance Bonus)
(1) Weapon Finesse (Swashbuckler Finesse Bonus)
(3) Arcane Accuracy Arcana
(4) Swashbuckler Bonus Feat
(5) Improved Critical (Swashbuckler Weapon Training Bonus)
(5) Magus Bonus Feat
(5) Arcane Strike
(6) Spell Shield Arcana
(7) Intensify Spell
(8) Swashbuckler Bonus Feat
(9) Power Attack (if Str over 13)
(11)
(13)
(15)
(17)
(19)
BAB: +17/+12/+7/+2 + 1 extra attack (Haste) + Spellstrike (1 extra attack +10d6 Intensified Shocking Grasp). All attacks Crit on 15-20.
Fort +9 Ref +20 Will +11
Casting as a Level 11 Magus / Level 2 Bard (Esoteric Training from Inner Sea Magic)
AC: +5 Dex / +5 Canny Defense / +3 Nimble / + Armor / + Buckler
Initiative +16: +5 Dex / +3 Iaijutsu / +2 Swashbuckler Initiative / +2 Reactionary Trait / +4 Improved Initiative
Kensai abilities: Perfect Strike (Max damage) / Fighter Training (lvl 5) / Iaijutsu (Int to initiative, etc)
This build would play quite differently pending what order the levels were taken in (but Bard 1 definitely needs to be first) as well as feat and item selections. But I think it will have the variety and combat capability to hang in there with any other melee characters. And the choice of how to spend arcane pool and panache points will keep play interesting and engaging...not to mention if this character went Mythic!
The only problem I see is that, by RAW, you can't use a buckler with Dervish Dance. Not a severe hit to AC and the build still looks solid, but I thought I'd point it out to you.
@Master I left the items out since people vary the level of wealth in their campaigns. I know I keep my players pretty broke, so I didn't want the build to rely TOO heavily on items. But YMMV.
@Raven The whole point of a buckler is that it's latched to your arm, not equipped; so as far as I know it doesn't violate Dervish Dance since your hand is still free. Was there an errata published about that? But as you said, it's not a big loss if it won't work.
Well, let's go to the tale of the tape:
Buckler
"This small metal shield is worn strapped to your forearm. You can use a bow or crossbow without penalty while carrying it.
Benefit: You can also use your shield arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed weapon), but you take a –1 penalty on attack rolls while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may apply for fighting with your off hand and for fighting with two weapons. In any case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you lose the buckler's Armor Class bonus until your next turn. You can cast a spell with somatic components using your shield arm, but you lose the buckler's Armor Class bonus until your next turn. You can't make a shield bash with a buckler."
And
Canny Defense (Ex)
"When wearing light or no armor and not using a shield, a duelist adds 1 point of Intelligence bonus (if any) per duelist class level as a dodge bonus to her Armor Class while wielding a melee weapon. If a duelist is caught flat-footed or otherwise denied her Dexterity bonus, she also loses this bonus."
I began making this post as a defense of the Buckler, but I think I've been persuaded against it. The idea is essentially that your second hand is completely free, and that your offense is your defense, and the Buckler gives minuses to attack, which means some sort of proactive defensive motions are being made. I agree, the buckler is out.
However, if a character wanted to equip one due to a magical bonus or something, without taking the AC bonus I'd probably allow it as a hunk of metal strapped to your forearm.
Just wanted to say, I love the name. :)
You're welcome ;)
Why the high Charisma and the very low Strength. By the time you put on armor and wield your Scimitar, (and anything else you care to care like a spell book) you are more than lightly encumbered.
Swashbucklers are CHA based, as is the number of rounds you can Battle Dance for, although it's an admittedly weak bonus. And the build uses light or no armor, since there are stiff penalties for medium or above. Cast Bull's Strength if need be, or in a pinch get a friend to cast ant haul on you or to carry you pack for you.