New Retainer seeking suggestions

[Braithwaite]

New Campaign Q2. (Cohort help)

Starting a new campaign. We will only have 2 players and DM starting, with a couple more likely prospects in a few months. I am playing a Dread Necromancer for my character, but until we have at least 3 PCs, we will each get a free cohort at (ECL-1). Other PC is a Daring Outlaw. I don't know what he wants for a cohort.

House Rules: All 3.5 sources seem to be in except for Tome of Magic (I don't own it). Unsure about setting specific stuff. I would guess admittable on case by case basis. Cohorts start at level 3. While there are only 2 PCs, we will be getting 1 free cohort each. 36 Point buy, and you can buy stats down from 8 for extra points. 2 extra skills per level, but pure casters have to use them on knowledge profession or craft skills (aww :-). HP are average (not rolled). Retraining allowed. No Stat buff items allowed, but comparable bonuses allocated to stats starting at level 4.

I am mostly looking at Chameleon (RoDestiny). I want a party buffer who can fill in gaps without stealing spotlight from main PCs. I think Rogue/Swordsage/Dragon Shaman will put me in chameleon at a good place, but I'm really not sure. White Raven bard is also high on my list, but not sure b/c of undead in party. Tomb Tainted Soul is so that my primary character can heal him if needed.

This is where I am so far. Suggestions?

Retainer
Human Rogue 1 Swordsage 2 (expected progression: Dragon Shaman1, Swordsage 3, Chamelion 1-10)
The disciplines available to you are Desert Wind, Diamond Mind, Setting Sun, Shadow Hand, Stone Dragon, and Tiger Claw.

HP 8+7+7=22

Str 14 +2
Int 14 +2
Wis 16 +2
Dex 14 +2
Con 14 +2
Cha 10 +0
Starting non magic AC =10+4 (Chain Shirt) +2 (Dex) +3 (Wis) =19

Saves
Fort +0
Ref +4
Will +2
Init +3

Feats:
Flaw Inattentive
L1: Able Learner
Human Tomb Tainted Soul
Flaw
L3 EWP Spiked Chain?
SS: Weapon Focus: Shadow Hand

Maneuvers Known (6/4 readied)
*Shadow Blade Technique
*Stone Bones
*Sapphire Nightmare Blade
*Distracting Ember
Clinging Shadow Strike
Burning Blade
Moment of Perfect Mind

Stances Known
Child of Shadow
Flames Blessing

Skills (8+2+2+1=13x4=52 at L1) + (6+2+2+1=11 at L2+3) = 74

[Akalsaris]

I don't think swordsage would be particularly good as a party buffer really.  I'd either go for the white raven bard or maybe bard/chameleon if you don't want him to be a full caster.  Factotum from Dungeonscape also goes well with Chameleon.

Since you're a dread necromancer, you might consider making your cohort some sort of undead also.