So I just joined a new game mid-stride. They've just levelled up to 3rd and I've joined at the same level. It's my 2nd Pathfinder game and I am barely proficient with the changes from 3.5, let alone with the basics of Min/Maxing.
I do however like to try and Optimize and plan out my character progression so I know what I'm working towards in terms of Feats, Ability score improvements etc. So once I had an idea to play a Half-Elven Shoanti Ranger I Googled "Pathfinder Ranger Handbook" and it put me onto this website and Treantmonk's Ranger Handbook.
After reading the handbook it became clear that I would be styling my character as a "Switch Hitter". I verified the starting build requirements for the Campaign and came up with the following using the following;
25 Point Buy; STR 18 (16 +2 Racial), DEX 16, CON 14, INT 12, WIS 12, CHA 7
Feats:1st: Power Attack, Ranger bonus: Track, Ranger Bonus (Combat Style: Archery): Rapid Shot, 2nd: Quickdraw (not 100% convinced this is required as you can draw as a free action as part of a move).
Skill Ranks: 6 + 1 = 7 x 3 = 21. (I took the hit point at each level rather than the skill point)
Climb 1, Craft (Bows) 3, Handle Animal 3, Knowledge Nature 3, Perception 3, Ride 1, Stealth 3, Survival 3, Swim 1.
Alternate Racial Feature from APG: Ancenstral Arms (Elven Curve blade)
Traits: