Bodyguard Building Help

[Selu]

So, I had made a previous post seeing what kind of class people think I should make my cohort and it didn't do super well.
I've come to the conclusion that, as far as fluff goes, I like the idea of my cohort becoming my character's bodyguard.

I am aiming for a build that, ideally, will allow the cohort to block, step in front of, or all around defend from attacks. If they can also stop enemies from getting near to my character, that's an added bonus...

Path of War is unfortunately not available, as the 'Warder' would have been the perfect class.

This is a Wrath of the Righteous game and we're using more than just PFS. Assume that most classes (outside of psionic, Path of War, Spheres of Power) are available. The same goes for feats.
And my cohort will likely become mythic once I hit third tier. [:

The fluff behind this cohort is that they are a religious character that was saved by the actions of my character during the start of the Wrath campaign. They not only feel as though they owe her their live, but they value the morals that she has displayed so far. Because of this, I like the idea of them 'worshipping' her like she's their Goddess. This also ties into the fact that I am aiming to make my character a Goddess of sorts... Most 'Followers' I acquire will become members of a church to my character if it can be helped.

Despite the religious nature of the character they don't need to be a religious class. It can be a fighter or even a barbarian...

In reality, I'm just in need of help when it comes to making a good 'protector' character for my back-line healing life-oracle. I'm not super accustomed to the rules.

Further information; Cohort level 5 at the time of making and my character's level is 7. 25 Point-Buy

[JDLPF]

Witchguard Ranger

Despite the name, any spellcaster is a suitable target for the Witchguard's special guardian abilities. The base class itself is otherwise a full Ranger (Full BAB, Combat Style, Favored Enemy, Spellcasting, etc.) and a decent cohort option.

[DeathlessOne]

The Succor Mystery for the Oracle would suit your cohort pretty well. It is from the Healer's Handbook. Gets a revelation (Perfect Aid) that boosts the effects of any Aid Other attempts, and if you combine that with Bodyguard, you get a reliable way to have them deflect attacks aimed at you.

[Weirdo]

I would go with a witchguard if you don't mind ignoring/altering the flavour. They get Bodyguard and In Harm's Way for free and can spend a move action to grant you a dodge bonus from +4 at level 5 to +10 at level 20 for a number of rounds equal to their Wisdom mod. This is especially important because of this FAQ limiting you to using Bodyguard only when you are both adjacent to your ally AND threatening the person attacking them. This makes Bodyguard an unreliable defense at best unless your GM ignores the FAQ.

If your GM does ignore the FAQ, you might also consider an Honour Guard cavalier with the Order of the Dragon. They rely mostly on Bodyguard and can't boost your AC as high as the Witchguard but do get some other tactical abilities your whole party can enjoy.

Either way, Benevolent armour and the Helpful trait (ideally the Halfling version, adopted if necessary) improve the Bodyguard ability.

Use Martial Focus (at level 5), Cut from the Air (level 7), and Smash from the Air (level 9) to deflect ranged attacks.

[Zenogu]

Weirdo wrote:

If your GM does ignore the FAQ, you might also consider an Honour Guard cavalier with the Order of the Dragon. They rely mostly on Bodyguard and can't boost your AC as high as the Witchguard but do get some other tactical abilities your whole party can enjoy.

Honor Guard Cavalier with an Animal Companion using the Bodyguard Archetype. This essentially lets you split up defense between allies. Not bad!