Planar Shep is regarded by most as the Druid prestige class of choice if Ebberon material is allowed. I don't think any of the class features are specific to the campaign setting so it shouldn't be a problem.
I also personally like Lion of Talisid from Book of Exalted Deeds. You get full...
My DM usually gives us free actions equal to our Dex Mod. I understand this could get out of hand at higher levels but we don't abuse it so we rarely ever need to do more than 3.
What about Crusader or Warblade from ToB? Don't think I saw anywhere that this book was banned so you'd probably be better off going with one of those over Paladin/Fighter.
Plus didn't the original 3.0 Forsaker class require either Chaotic alignment or Rage class ability? Forsaker always struck me as primarily a barbarian PrC and therefore would be impossible for a monk to use unless it was a fallen monk I guess.
I think the best way for a VoP character to get food and shelter at low levels is to do something like offer to work at the inn for the night instead of paying for his room. Wash dishes, serve food/drinks, help cook if he can, anything like that can be used instead of money to acquire food and...
I'm with Danny, I think I'd go with 2 1h weapons and 2 light weapons and take Multiweapon Fighting from the MM. You could have him wielding 4 different weapons, or something more conventional like 2 longswords and 2 short swords. Sounds like you guys are in the mid level range so with a full...