[Pathfinder] Dawnflower Dervish Bard/Shadowdancer build

[BTB]

This is something I'd like to try, using anything non-third party on the Pathfinder SRD. I've always loved shadowdancers, but was unsure of how to keep them effective in combat. I thought about the Paladin 10/Shadowdancer 10 route, but I generally don't like them as a personal rule, what with the Paladin falling horror stories, I always feel so limited, and from wht I can see this seems to be the next best option. This is more conceptual so I'm not sure what out of combat role to build for, on one hand Shadowdancer scouting abilities point me towards disabling traps and playing something similar to a rogue outside of battle, while the naturally high CHA encouraged by both the Shadowdancer and Bard points towards being the face (an interesting prospect for one who lives in darkness.)

I'm not worried about out of combat utility, as bards get an excellent range of skills and I can probably build to most out of combat roles needed, depending on the party. I'm more worried about keeping this viable as a combatant, using the Dervish's self buffing abilities as a base part of the strategy, as well as the Dervish Dancer feat.

Shadowdancer: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/core-rulebook/shadowdancer

Dawnflower Dervish Bard: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard/archetypes/paizo---bard-archetypes/dawnflower-dervish

Bard: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard

I also don't really see the need to go beyond 5 (for Inspire Courage +2) or 6 (for the second versatile performance) levels of Dawnflower Dervish Bard, which raises the question of what I could do with those other levels, and at what point to start the Shadowdancer progression.

My main concern is staying relevant combat wise in the higher levels, as I think it may be difficult without full BAB and my spells will quickly become irrelevant once I move out of Bard. Any ideas on how to do that are most appreciated.

[StreamOfTheSky]

The point of more Dawnflower Dervish is you're getting double bonus - that's ultimately a plus EIGHT at higher levels, more than enough to offset your medium BAB, compared to a warrior class. And spellcasting in general. Also, favored class bonuses. Human gives you tons more spells known; (I suggest Muse-touched) Aasimar increases effective bard level for a type of performance of your choice (pick inspire courage!).

If you do want to jump out, though, I'd do it at 6 rather than 5. You get another Versatile Performance, Suggestion, and all BAB and saves increase.

If you need another class past Bard 6 before going into Shadowdancer, I suggest Unarmed Fighter or Master of Many Styles (and Sohei) Monk. Either will reduce the feats needed to obtain Crane Wing from 4 to 2 with just a single level dip. Crane Wing is kind of a no-brainer feat for a DD Bard, aside from the massive feat cost (Dodge, Imp. Unarmed Strike, Crane Style, Crane Wing).

I have not played a PF Shadowdancer, but looking at it, I am under the impression it is a good 1-2 level dip class, and the level 10 capstone is nice, but the in between levels are crap. The spell-like abilities and shadow jumping are far too limited in daily use to build around, and the shadow is potentially a huge liability if it gets destroyed, though I suppose you could just opt not to pay for a new one and forgo it after it drops.

[BTB]

Well, I appreciate that help then. You are right in saying that this can be a great combatant without the shadowdancer, and just act as a face outside of battle. It's definately something to consider. By the way, can I have a link to this "Muse-touched"? Can't find it on the SRD.

[StreamOfTheSky]

It's found on the Aasimar (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/other-races/featured-races/arg-aasimar) page on d20pfsrd.