Hi folks ! Still playing PF1 as PF2 didn't convince me (for now ?) :-)
So I'm looking for a build for a warrior-like that would merge with his familiar or animal companion, to boost him.
Idea comes from SoulBeast in Guildwars 2 : for those who aren't familiar with this game, it's a ranger character archetype who merges with his animal companion to enhance his abilities (raising base attributes and gaining access to new powers).
I did my job with existing material in PF1 :
Nature-bonded magus is the closest one to the idea but is kinda of underpowered magus I think with loosing arcana plus plant familiar are not legions
Synthesist (summoner) covers quite correctly the technical search but less the RP idea, plus it's BAB is a 3/4. I'm aware it can be a strong melee fighter anyway
using Merge with Familiar spell is interesting as it can be access by different classes (including fighting) with core abilities or feat or race. Plus it can use Protector archetype on familiar. Not an animal companion but acceptable. Can be expensive (feat / race)
Tumor familiar is yeurk ... pass on for me :-)
Any bright idea I would have miss ?
Hunter, with the aspects, sounds like it would work. Possibly the chameleon adept archetype; it's not "merging" with the companion, but the companion can take humanoid form and the hunter can take animal form.
Feral hunter with Nature Soul/Animal Ally/Boon Companion might also come close.
Totem bonded is more limited, but might be closest to your concept with Shared Strength.