I am looking for mechanical advice on improving my switch-hitter spear specialist. This is my build thus far. In general, I want to emphasize throwing distance and versatility, though I'm open to other ideas for improvement as well. I imagine him looking something like a Greek Olympian, absolutely pumped for physical action.
Would it be better to start as a rogue or ranger rather than a fighter? I like the idea of the versatility the rogue class offers, but I don't think I'd want to jump through all of the hoops necessary for ranged sneak attack. Also, the getting the +2 from fighter along with an additional +2 from Incredible Aim for crit fishing is hella' attractive.
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For a thrower build, the choice is between Fighter and Barbarian. Rogue and Ranger don't have much to offer in that regard but a few low level feats you can poach through Dedications.
Now, your build puts Strength over Dexterity? If you make that choice, go for Barbarian without a second thought. Fighter is equivalent at range only because it can start with 18 Dexterity (and at melee range Barbarian is better no matter what).
Also, why don't you use a Trident? If you insist on using a Spear, then Barbarian is even more interesting as the weapon die is less important for it.
Also, you should go for a double weapon build with Dual-Weapon Warrior Dedication. It's what gives you the best damage output (you compete with Greatsword's wielder with Double Slice).
Also, I encourage you to start with at least 16 Dex and 16 Str. A 14 in an attack stat is crippling.
I imagined him as more of a javelin thrower, but wasn't willing to give up the switch-hitting capabilities of the spear for the extra range of the javelin.
Also, the last three thrown-weapon characters in our play group have all been switch-hitting trident wielders.
I'm not adding another.
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Now that the Spear is a Monk Weapon why don't you give that a shot, since you're not going Champion for the free Returning Rune you'll be paying for that when you're high enough level anyway, and grabbing Monastic Weaponry opens up a whole bunch of possibilities and also will always leave you with a zero-action cost "switch" with which to hit via Unarmed attacks?
Sure, you're losing out on a fair amount of to-hit but if you pick up Ki Strike you'll be able to leverage that sweet sweet stacking bonus damage and help make up the difference one to three turns per combat.
Or, better yet, if you're starting at level 4 you can start off right out of the gate with Ki Strike, take Student of Perfection Dedication and grab Perfect Weaponry which provides Monastic Weaponry for free and ALSO allows you to use your Spear with not only the Monk Features but also any Student of Perfection Feats and Spells that normally require Unarmed Attacks and shout UNBREAKING SPEAR TECHNIQUE.
Thanks for the help everyone. Here's what I've ended up with: Character Sheet / Pathbuilder
I'm really quite happy with it, but am still open to further advice if you have any.