bard pfs build - duettist worth it?

[Shalin]

HI folks,

some advice please - building a bard character with an emphasis on buffing, but also wanting to be able to pull his weight.

pitborn tiefling lvl 2 (last remake)
s 16
d 14
c 14
i 10
w 8
ch 16

feat - flagbearer (going with the buffing idea)
traits - chain fighter (+2 to trips)
maestro of the society (+3 rnds bardic performace)

would i be better off just getting reactionary?

duettist - lose bardic knowledge gain a familiar. is this worth it?
im thinking a protector - combat reflexes and bodyguard at the cost of alertness.
thrush +3 diplomacy is sub-optimal i know but i like the talking and it feels a lot more flavourful and logical than a scorpion that helps with the performing arts!

any other suggestions appreciated.

[Markov Spiked Chain]

I think Duettist is pretty cool, it should really improve your action economy at 4th. I wish I could trade all those features out on my Skald.

I'm not sure about Chain Master unless you're going for a trip build, which would need more Int or a brawler on Monk dip? I'm assuming you want to use a whip/Scorpion whip?

I'd probably skip the extra rounds of performance.

Protector and Mauler are probably your best familiar options. Compsognathus Mauler is your best offense, but a Thrush Protector is great for defense, giving you roughly 50% more HP plus some AC buffing. Thrush is certainly more flavorful as a performer.

[Shalin]

hey Markov,

cheers. Yeah the thrush feels much more 'realistic'

still unsure about the traits - i like having a range of options rather than heavy specialisation. may drop the maestro for a cha skill buffing trait.

cheers

[Arachnofiend]

As long as you don't care about knowledge checks (which, if you're in a premade group you probably don't since you likely have a wizard or something to handle those) then absolutely yes. Especially once Improved Familiar comes online and you can get a Faerie Dragon wand monkey (or other IF of your choice).

[Jodokai]

Why flagbarer? It doesn't stack with Inspire Courage, take lingering performance instead, you'll rarely run out of rounds of performance, and no chance for the penalty.

[Liz Courts]

Duplicate thread, go here.