Nature Spirit Shaman 16 (or higher). Which archetype is better for the Familiar side? Protector or Mauler?

[Reksew_Trebla]

With the Protector archetype, the Animal Companion side’s lower number of HD won’t matter, as the archetype specifically uses your max Hit Points regardless of its actual HD. And furthermore, it can split the damage to it with you.

The Mauler Archetype though, lets you gain a higher Strength score, and I believe DR 5/Magic. Also if the Animal Companion chosen is Medium or Small sized instead of Large, you can gain a further +2 to Strength, and if it is Large, then you can bring them with you anywhere you could go by reducing them to Medium.

So which is better? If the Mauler Archetype is better, then what if it was a gestalt game, and you had d10 for all your HD on the other side? If that isn’t enough, then how about d12 instead?

[DeathlessOne]

I would argue that the Protector is better. The HP alone is worth the trade off. Most of the other aspects of the Mauler can be duplicated with your own spells, and you don't have to worry about a familiar that can't talk in the body of an animal companion that has feral blood lust on the mind at all times.

[Gallant Armor]

I've played with both and it depends a lot on what you want to do with your familiar.

I used my mauler familiar as a flanking buddy and added in beast shape whenever possible to add in combat effectiveness (vivisectionist alchemist, pre errata).

For my protector I used life link to absorb damage from the party and siphoned some off on my familiar when needed (shaman with life spirit). I also made use of imbue spell like ability and familiar spell to have my familiar heal me/itself/other party members when needed, saving me actions in combat.

Your role and your familiar's role in the party will tell you a lot about which is the better option. Having played both, I had more fun with my mauler but both are solid options. If you do pick mauler, be warned that you will have to spend a fair amount of gold on it's survivability and combat effectiveness.