So I am currently playing an inquisitor and though I love the character it almost died for good last night. So I need a back up character.
My ideas are either a tansmuter specialist or a eldritch knight/ tansmuter. We will only be going to about level 16, so which one would give me more bang for my buck in regards to versatility and melee damage potential.
Thanks
And if you have other class ideas please keep in mind that spells are definitely a must and we are really only using core and APB classes.
Most people will advise againt an Eldritch Knight since that type of character faces some challenges you simply don't have with dedicated classes like the magus, or the bloodrager, but I think EK is super cool and tons of fun, if you are willing to plan ahead. Also, with your limitation to CRB and APG (I assume you meant the Advanced Players Guide?), magus or bloodrager aren't really an option anway.
The problem with a Transmuter/EK is that the school powers are just so-so: the ability enhancements are nice but will eventually be overwritten by a + STR/DEX belt or a +INT headband, telekinetic fist doesn't scale since you won't have a lot of wizard levels, and the change shape power you'll never even get. The shapechange subschool is better, but still problematic because sometimes you'll have better things to do with a swift action (especially if the game lasts long enught that you reach EK 10 and get Spell Critical).
A Conjurer/EK with the teleportation subschool might be a good fit since it grants you some extra mobility when you need it, and with conjuration spells being overpowered as they are its not a bad school to specialize in.
Alternatively, be a Diviner/EK with the foresight subschool which allows you to pre-roll d20s and grants bonuses t Initiative, both of which are pretty important to an EK. This would be my pick, were I to make a character.
The best way to enter EK is taking your first level in Ranger (you'll have more hp this way), followed by 5 levels of Wizard. Ranger is attractive because of the nice skill list and two good saves, plus favored enemy. If favored enemy is too restrictive, take a look at the Guide archetype that replaces this mechanic with a flexible attack/damage bonus against any kind of enemy (not unlimited usesd per day, though).
The obvious problem is getting a decent AC. Mage armor is fine early on, but it won't be appropriate forever. The Arcane Armor Training feat might be s solution when you can afford a mithral chain shirt if you don't mind spending a feat on that AND if you can spare the swift action. A Bard/EK doesn't have this particular problem, but you'll have to wait until 8th level before you becme an EK, so there's that.