So, what are your favorite character builds? Any system, any set of books, just looking for an open discussion. Also, if your favorites aren't listed above, choose "Other" and please explain which ones you like and why. Always interested in seeing what people choose to play as.

Personally, I'm partial Pathfinder's style of Alchemists and Magus'. My longest running character was an alchemist, and I love that they are virtually red-mages, except they have such heavy restrictions on how they make potions that it really creates some fun roleplay. Never interrupt an Alchemist while making a bomb, lol. Also love the Magus, the hybrid of warrior and spellcaster is phenomenal. That's the class I tend to play in fairly short games for ease.

~SE++

I like face characters usually. Like all my changeling characters usually end up Fairest.

I also like the 'shaman' style of fluff behind characters. I usually think magic should feel unknowable and ancient; I like witchcraft and theurge-style magic, where magic is about working through spirits or gods or whatever.

I combined the two once in a changeling character based on Ursula, a charismatic sea witch whose power rests in making deals with people.

Idiot Crusaders are the single most interesting build I've ever had the pleasure of using.

Why doesnt Ranger make the poll list?

Because they're terrible in Pathfinder. I mean really, most players I know seem to rather making a ranger fighter then take the Ranger skills.

~SE++

Psh, the switch hitter is pretty decent in PF. But one of these days I need to make a fighter in pathfinder cause I've never done it.

I'd like to give a reach weapon fighter a go.

I love playing Wizards and wizard-variants (Like 3e's Shadowcaster and Artificer), but I have to say that while I didn't check it, Fighter has the most interesting and varied builds. In terms of long-term character growth potential and optimization, Wizards are simple: you take your spells, bump your casting stat, and try not to do anything that has a "meteors of angry DM" summoning side effect (Breaking the game with spammed Planar Bindings is on the same level as attempting to selectively apply physics to create a peasant railgun).

As a fighter, though? World of possibilities, and you make major choices with far-reaching effects on both thematics and functionality. And. That's. Awesome. I'm endlessly intrigued by the wacky feat-stacking world of 3e fighters that results in such creations as Lester the Molester (and all his relatives), which are just as high-level thought experiments as Pun-Pun or the Hulking Hurler, but far more practical for actual gaming.

Overall, I think my favorite class to build with is the Bard (again, 3.x That's my world.) They're just... so... Magikarp. You live by your wits for 10 levels and then, if you played your cards right, you Class Change (Read: take a PRC) into your favorite brand of awesomeness, whether it's full casting, magical song effects, or light-armored buffed combat. And if you multiclass? There's cool stuff for that too. From my typical seat (the DM's) I recall when a 17th level Bard with Seeker of the Song basically solo'd a(n admittedly grounded) Great Wyrm Red Dragon with enough caster levels to give it Epic Spellcasting. But the freedom of choice those first ten levels give you, and the awesome feeling every time you take a new bard level full of new toys... it's pretty great.

And yet you haven't joined us in the Play by Post, TS! *sniffle* Don't you love us anymore?

~SE++

Tevish, that is my brand of tea. I checked bards for the 3.x variants, for EXACTLY THE SAME DAMNED REASONS...EXACTLY. They are easily the most malleable characters you can have (and I like that you are a fan of fighters, as well). Another fave of mine is the 3.5 Soulknife. Lots of fun for an offbeat fighter-type that is never without weapons, and always relevant as a tank. Great for both melee and ranged attacks.

My favorite fighter prestige class is the Duelist. So flavorful, and some serious, SERIOUS benefits to boot, as in almost impossible to hit without major help if you plan it right, and a nasty damage bonus when she hits, and she hits A LOT.

I've been meaning to play a bard. Gah, so many classes...so little time.

Yet people still put Fighter a tier below it :q
Ranger has quite a few things going for it, such as not being stuck with 2 + int skill points each level, meaning you can do something out of combat as well. Animal Companion is great for flanking and various other things depending on the creature. You have spells, including instant enemy which can give you favored enemy against anything, a fairly sizeable +6/+8/+10 bonus to attack and damage. The ranger styles makes it possible to be quite good at both melee and ranged at the same time as well, for some added flexibility.

Anyway, for the topic, my answer is Meldshapers, Initiators, Binders and the monk, because I should probably put a core class there.