I have a low-Str, high-Dex catfolk archivist bard in a party of six (currently 2nd level), where there is only one character focused on melee - the other four use ranged weapons or spells. I'd really appreciate some input on how this character can best contribute to combat, and thus what feats, etc, I should consider taking. I don't have much experience playing Pathfinder, and all official Paizo material is usable. Thanks in advance!
Weapon focus: Scimitar, Weapon Finesse, Slashing GRace: Scimitar...Dex to dmg on scimitar that crits fairly often
A scimitar, weapon finesse, and dervish Dance feat would be my suggestion. Since that will give you dex to both hit and dam. A rapier and fencing grace, weapon finesse, and weapon focus, would do the same. A little dip in the rapier swash archtype May be a plan but it will cost you on the spells and there is where the Real power in your class is in battle. Alternatly ask your GM to skip the archivist and use a archtype that dosent lose inspire curage.
- use your naturalist power.
- use either a longspear + combat reflexes to get AoOs when enemies try to reach your ranged guys
- Or use a dex based weapon as the others suggested
- is Cha is high enough take the flagbearer feat to buff your allies more. (interesting fact: archivist is an insight bonus that stacks with inspire courage)
Alternative idea: Use caltrops to hinder enemy movement.
A net. Nets are cool. Just don't try to hold on to it when the victim starts pulling.
Thanks for all the great advice! I have one follow-up question. Bards aren't proficient with the scimitar, are they, so that would require an extra feat?
Bards aren't proficient with the scimitar, are they, so that would require an extra feat?
It would unless you can convince your GM to let you take an archetype that does have it.
Alternatively, bards are proficient with Longswords. It's not 18-20 crit, but it hits harder than a scimitar (1d8 vs. 1d6) while still having a decent crit range (19-20 x2). It's usable with Slashing Grace (Longsword).
EDIT: Don't forget that you'll need a way to get DEX to hit with that weapon, too. A one level dip into Swashbuckler would do it (thanks to their special Swashbuckler Finesse) as would wrapping Effortless Lace around your longsword (costing you 2,500g - a lot at level 2 but not very much later in the game).
Either way, without retroactively changing your archetype or the like, taking a one-level dip into another class to either get Dervish Dance or Slashing Grace running would help with damage considering your stats.