I'm planning on taking ranger to 4, then Beastmaster 1, and then improved bond at level 9 to have a really cool snake companion ^^  I made a character like this before and went rogue 1 / ranger 4 to start (it also started at level 5) and started with my snake companion.  I wanted to change it up a little this time so I decided I'd get my companion a little later.<br/><br/><br/>I also have a few more plans to beef up my AC.  I don't have magical armor yet, I'd like to get two-weapon defense, and maybe even Improved Combat Expertise later if it comes to it.  Though, technically that wouldn't be until like level 12 or something... That's a long way off.