Help me create a lvl 9 character to guest appear in my friends campaign

I'm going to be joining a friends campaign for the next arc of their story. The players are currently level 9 and sticking to the 2014 rule set. I started with the 2024 rules and not sure what was good/fun/bad in 2014. The DM said I can play anything I want, even multiclass.

Off the bat I was thinking of a swashbuckler/hexblade, but not sure the good level split with 9 levels. Tell me your ideas, builds you've done, wanted to try, or advice.

I feel like starting at level nine is a good opportunity to skip some dead boring levels or having to wait till a multiclass comes online. I'm excited to see what you guys have to say. Thanks!