So since the Weapon Masters handbook is not only out but legal for play in PFS I thought I would post my build concept and see what you all thought and if it looks fairly viable.
Str 16-2
Dex 13+2
Con 14
Int 12
Wis 12
Cha 8+2
Halfling with Warslinger trait
1st
Fighter 1
Weapon Focus: Sling (1st), Slipslinger Style (Fighter 1)
2nd
Fighter 2
Bravery +1, Point-Blank Shot (Fighter 2)
3rd
Fighter 3
Armor Training, Rapid Shot (3rd)
4th
Fighter 4
Power Attack (4th)
5th
Fighter 5
Deadly Aim (5th)
6th
Alchemist 1
Throw Anything (bonus)
7th
Alchemist 2
Slipslinger Grenadier (7th)
8th
Fighter 6
Bravery +2, Quick Draw (Fighter 6)
9th
Fighter 7
Armor Training, Slipslinger Bombardment
10th
Fighter 8
Weapon Specialization (Fighter 8)
11th
Fighter 9
Weapon Training, Greater Weapon Focus (9th)
12th
Fighter 10
Bravery +3, Arc Slinger (Fighter 10)
Traits:
Purity of Faith
Defender of the Society
I want both Weapon Training and Armor Training. Weapon Training because I will have only one weapon I ever use so it just makes sense especially with Gloves of Dueling. Armor Training as I will be going deep into Fighter so Mithral Full Plate will really be the best armor for him.
I don't plan on ever using Alchemist Bombs and my Fort saves should be stellar so I was planning on going Vivisectionist/Trap Breaker. Poison is nice but expensive and difficult to use in PFS so I don't mind losing that.
Equipment of choice will be a Darkwood Slingstaff, Mithral Full Plate (Celestial Full Plate doesn't exist in PFS) and a Mithral Buckler. I am likely going to seek out getting a wand of Flame Arrow and once I get into Alchemist I will be pumping out the Alchemical Ammo. I'll also carry a variety of stone types for overcoming DR. Boots of Striding and Springing will be a high priority item as well. As long as my party doesn't run in front of me though, I should have no issue pulling enemies to my party and it isn't even a priority to run up to engage with the character but he can excel in both roles.
Outside of that I don't have much but I think everything else should fall into place fairly naturally. His AC should be crazy high for when he does engage in melee. His ranged DPR should be well enough to attract some attention.
What do you think? Any suggestions?
I actually also do not know a lot about Golarion lore. I honestly do need to read up on it and plan on remedying that soon. Does anyone have any good ideas of where to fit such a character into Golarion? I haven't picked his faction, home country, religion, etc.
I was thinking maybe going Exchange and being a reknown caravan guard. Perhaps Desna as the deity?
Aw... no big loss though.
For any ranged character, you'll want Precise Shot as soon as possible. Taking -4 for shooting into melee will hurt a lot.
I would recommend the following feat progression:
1st: Point Blank Shot, (fighter) Precise Shot
2nd (fighter): Rapid shot (you can use a normal sling for rapid shot until you get slipslinger style)
3rd: Weapon focus (sling)
4th (fighter): Slipslinger Style
If you want to use the slingstaff earlier, move Rapid Shot to level 4 and get Weapon Focus and Slipslinger Style at 2 and 3.
Also, since you'll be a great switch hitter with the slingstaff, you might want to pick up Point Blank Master so you don't provoke using your slingstaff in melee. You'll need Weapon Specialization first if you want to go that route.