I'll be joining a group this Sunday, and I haven't played anything anything 3.x related in years, never mind Pathfinder. The game is already in progress and is apparently based around being stranded on an island.
The party makeup, afaik, is Paladin/cleric, rogue, summoner, and bard. I'm not sure what I want to play. I'm not a fan of arcane classes. the ones that have grabbed my interest so far are the Stygian Slayer and Saurian Shaman. Trying to find build guides for both, but not having much luck (either can't find it very outdated). Or does anyone have another suggestion?
I generally lean towards rogue types, but we already have one and I'm not a big fan of what I see in the PF rogue. I also think that all Paizo material on the srd is available. Other stuff will be case by case. The game is at level 3.
That's my biggest issue with druid is feat choice
Ranger gives you combat and some skills, and is good in a natural setting.
If you like rogues, you might really enjoy an alchemist. They have a similar flavor with being skilled and can probably cover some of what your rogue and bard might be missing, plus some magical abilities that keep them up to par with other characters.
A fighting oracle can be a pretty strong martial character while still having a full 9 levels of divine casting, with a limited list of spells known so you don't have to worry about preparation or personally knowing every spell out there. Depending on how much your Paladin/cleric is planning on giving up in terms of cleric spell casting this might be a really strong option for the group. An oracle of battle can stand in the line and still have plenty of spells to sling.
I guess I need to decide on race too
I've done ranger to death. Druid has always interested me, so I think I'm gonna go that route. Vivisectionist looks awesome, but we have a rogue and I really want to avoid toe stepping considering the rogue is already pretty weak. The summoner and paladin are being played by the same person. Not worried as much about toe stepping there.
It's a slightly odd duck Druid build but it gets pretty decent at swimming and mixes a few neat mechanics together... I just love deathroll
Another thought if you want something Druid like that isn't a Druid there's Hunter which straddles the line of ranger and Druid or a Lunar Revelation or Nature Revelation Oracle might be more to your liking. Lunar can get both a wildshaping type revelation and an animal companion but your a CHA based caster and get most of the cleric list too.
Perhaps try out some of the hybrid classes then? The swashbuckler has a bit of a rogue feel, slayer following close behind with investigator even more into the rogueish territory and there seems to be a fresh investigator guide around. Bolt ace "gun"slinger would boost a rather weak ranged front of your party as well, though a dex-based swashbuckler might do that neatly as well while being quite capable in supporting the pal on the front line
As for race there's a solid question for you..do you like cats?
Yes to Saurian Shaman...but...throw in some brawler or monk levels, then be a karate T-Rex!
EDIT: Note - this idea requires Shaping Focus and no more than 4 levels of non-druid to pull off optimally, and it steps on your casting and animal companion a bit...but Boon Companion can fix your AC right up.
The lion shaman interests me the most, but the Saurian seems to get all of the goodies and then some. Plus a much wider range of animals to choose from. Definitely going Druid. We're at level 3, so I won't get wild shape for 3 more levels. :(
Is the summoner focusing on his eidolon for combat or summon monster ability?
If he is using summon monster a lot, I would not do a summoning druid archtype.
If he is focusing on fighting with his eidolon, then it should be fine. Assuming you are very organized with all the monsters on a print out or card. That way you won't be slowing down play while you are looking stuff up.
The lion shaman is still pretty durn good. Doesn't have quite as many creatures as the saurian, but they are arguably considered by many to be the better creatures. More attacks, pounce, rake, etc... they tend to do more damage. They get killed easier, but you can always summon more. (I would probably have to do a catfolk just because.)
I would probably consider a casting focus rather than a melee focus and domain rather than an animal companion. You are going to be summoning and there is an eidolon. Already a lot of pets on the field to slow things down.
Note: A summoning, casting, wildshaping druid is not among the easiest builds to play. There is lot of complexity and fiddly rules involved. You said you have't played 3.x in years and never PF.
While powerful, this is not the type of build I would normally suggest to someone starting in the system.
However, if you are up for the challenge of learning lots of the less used rules really quickly, it can be a lot of fun.
Actually, after talking to my group last night, I've decided on the Stygian Slayer. I like Ranger, but not a fan of it having spells, and it gives me the Rogue stuff I like. Any tips?
Ninja builds will help with the Slayer?
The lion shaman interests me the most, but the Saurian seems to get all of the goodies and then some. Plus a much wider range of animals to choose from. Definitely going Druid. We're at level 3, so I won't get wild shape for 3 more levels. :(You still get wild shape at level 4, it just advances differently at 6.
They don't get it at all until 6. This was clarified in an faq post.
Not a good one. It actually sucks lol. I'm doing Stygian Slayer anyway.