Halfling Druid (or hunter) build advice

[Quentin Coldwater]

I'm fooling around with making a Halfling Druid (or perhaps Hunter) that's built more for flavour and fun of play than really being a combat monster, but I'd also like him to be sort of combat viable, and I have no idea how to build him. Right now I'm mainly wondering if I should be going for Point-Blank Shot and Precise Shot, but targeted damaging spells are mostly only a thing for spell level 1. The alternative would be specializing in summoning, but those really only come online at later levels.
My stats look something like this right now (post-modifier, 20-point buy):
STR 10
DEX 16
CON 14
INT 10
WIS 16
CHA 10
I was thinking of downing INT to 8 for CHA 12, but I really like my skill points.
My idea for this character was to stay a bit in the back while my animal companion (a frog) and the other team members take care of the frontline, and support from the back with spells like Snowball and the like, ones that scale pretty okay with level. I could use Pearls of Power to regain spellslots if I'm running low. My intent was to not use Wildshape a lot, since they're pretty melee-focused and I'm still lacking a lot of Strength. I've been eying the archetypes as well, and things like <X> Shaman (especially Saurian) look really sexy with Totemic Summons, but I really like the idea of my frog companion.
My alternative was going for a Hunter, again either specialising in ranged attacks (but with a bow), or trying my best at melee with a STR of 14. The advantage of Hunter is the Hunter's Focus, which can boost me and my animal companion where needed, but in melee I'd still be outclassed by the medium-sized creatures. I guess I could make bow & arrow work, but I guess I'm kind of sold on spellslinging Druid.

So yeah, lots of considerations. Do you have any advice on these? To recap:
- Point-Blank Shot/Precise Shot worth it?
- General build for a pintsized Druid?
- Would switching to a Hunter be a better idea, and if so, melee or ranged?

Thanks a lot!

[calartnick]

I would definitely go ranged. If you're not interested in wildshape the nature fang is a fun archetype that swaps out wildshape and some more of the druid fluff for slayer talents. Problem is no bow proficiency for druid, so if you can either get bow proficiency with a trait, or maybe you could use a halfling sling.

[Quentin Coldwater]

Well, I'm not sure if I want to ditch Wildshape entirely, as it has nice uses, such as a fly speed, but yeah, I could see it working. I already have a high-level Elven Druid, so I'd rather not have an Elf just for bow proficiency, but I could use Heirloom Weapon. I guess Precise Shot is too good to wait until level 4 for my Ranger Style, but Rapid Shot would be nice, even at 3/4 BAB. Hell, I could even take Mounted Combat feats for funsies.

[Fruian Thistlefoot]

If your not playing PFS then ask your DM 1 question.

Can I use sling feats with a sling staff?

If he says yes...then switch hit with a sling staff.

[calagnar]

If your wanting to go with mainly range and stay in the back. Hunter is your best option. The Druid is better if your looking to make a caster. I recommend Sorcerer Sylvan if your planning on making a caster. The druid spell list dose not work great as a casting platform. It can be done effective. However it will take a lot more work on your part.

Some suggestions for a Hunter.
Ability Score: Str10 Dex18 Con12 Int12 Wis14 Cha11
Feat's: Planer Focus, Totem Beast, Expanded Studies.
Teamwork Feat's: Improved Spell Sharing, Lookout, Ferocious Loyalty.

[Taenia]

I will have to disagree with Calagnar, Druids can be great casters, but their spell list is not as good as a wizards. The advantage of the druid caster is wild shape + natural spell conserves spells that another caster would have to use to emulate that ability.

Sticking with your initial array of stats you can easily focus on a Summoning build w/ Animal Companion and a set of spells that also provide battlefield control.

One option is to try the following:
S 8 D 16 C 12 I 12 W 17 Ch 10 put level up points into Wisdom (20 pt buy)

Feats:
Sp Focus Conjuration
Augment Summoning
Natural Spell

At level 5 you can be flying around as an eagle casting summon spells or battlefield control from above the party. Next level you can go small air elemental or hawk form for an even better defense and speed while still capable of casting. 12 hour a day flight at level 6 (or 18 hours with druid vestments) is great at keeping away from the bad guys.

With the built in tank of an animal companion (through him in good armor and the right feats and he can have ACs equal or better then the fighter with a shield) and the ability to drop one or two spells a fight you will always be contributing while providing useful skills unique scouting ability, especially combining a high wisdom and Perception class skill.

Also if you get bored grab some Wild Dragonhide Full Plate, heavy armor proficiency and wild shape and watch your AC sky rocket.

[My Self]

As a Druid, you won't have all that many feats or a convenient way to increase your hit chance or damage. Archery will be difficult if you want to get Druid staples like Natural Spell or be able to Power Attack with Wild Shape. If you want to be ok at archery, you'll probably need to avoid using Wild Shape.

That said, Taenia has a good point. Druids can be the tankiest or most elusive fullcasters when wild shaped.

If you want to do archery, Hunter is the right choice. The teamwork feats and animal focuses will help boost your hit chance and/or damage.