Heh, I'm also intending a swordfighter with Temporal Manipulation. Seems to be a common choice. My next char (yeah I'm already planning the second playthrough), I'm thinking a shotgun/sniper character, also with TM.
My slasher is some similar to HarperFan's, although I intend to max STR and have 6 CON, some different emphasis, but many of the same feats. Oh man, I had forgotten Escape Artist. Maybe I can squeeze one more stat point to put in DEX. That would also open up Quick Tinkering . . .
So about riot armor + shield, it's clear that RA is getting some love, and I originally thought I wanted to play a sword and board character. But while sword and shield (or spear and shield) seem kind of cool, it's still just defense against melee attacks, right? IDK. Death stalkers are scary, sure, and having them go thud thud thud instead of stab stab stab would be cool, but there's a lot of other types of attacks that can kill you. And this character, if needed, could strap into full metal armor anyway.
Now if Riot Armor shields are getting changed so they help against ranged attacks, that's a whole nother story. I'm guessing not, though. I suppose those who know can't comment. I'll find out soon enough.