Re: Magus / Arcane Archer a good switch hitter?

[ElyasRavenwood]

Does a Magus / Arcane Archer combo make a good switch hitter?

What do you think? At what level should I pick up Arcane Archer? as soon as possible? After level 10?

What do you think

Thanks

[kaisc006]

ElyasRavenwood wrote:

Does a Magus / Arcane Archer combo make a good switch hitter?

Instead of Arcane Archer, check out the Myrmidarch archetype.

[AndIMustMask]

myrmidarch: like an archer fighter, but worse--er, different!
(joking)

[kaisc006]

AndIMustMask wrote:

myrmidarch: like an archer fighter, but worse--er, different!

(joking)

lol better than Arcane Archer. But though he is different, the myrmidarch can be really fun to play. He brings a ton of options to the table.

[Dragonchess Player]

Note that a myrmidarch magus gains Ranged Spellstrike in addition to regular Spellstrike. Also, be aware of the limitations: Spellstrike can only be used with spells that have a range of touch (unless you take the Close Range arcana) and Ranged Spellstrike can only be used with spells that use a ranged touch attack.

If you really want options, a myrmidarch magus/arcane archer can do everything a myrmidarch magus can do and use Imbue Arrow to fire an arrow that carries an area effect spell in addition to doing normal arrow damage; Imbue Arrow only takes a standard action, as well, so it can be combined with move actions.

For a myrmidarch magus, you probably only want to take 2-4 levels in arcane archer so that you don't loose too much progression with your Arcane Pool and arcana choices (depending on whether you just want Imbue Arrow or if you want free elemental damage on all your arrows and Seeking Arrow, as well as a +1 BAB bump). As a 3/4 BAB class, the earliest you can qualify is magus 8; if you do go this route, I'd recommend magus 8/arcane archer 3/magus X for the best benefit to drawback distribution (IMO).

[Azaelas Fayth]

Dot.

[Artanthos]

You could just go straight magus with point blank shot / precise shot and augment your bow with arcane strike & arcane pool.

Keep your spell progression, focus on melee and use your bow as a backup when appropriate.

[MC Templar]

in addition... I'd use your inevitable Magical Lineage Shocking Grasp (we all know you'll take it, after all you are playing a magus) and take the "reach spell" metamagic feat to make your shocking grasps qualify for Ranged Spellstrike.

[Fastmover]

If you are going to do it make a standard Magus 12/ AA 8.

You want magus 12 for the cool arcanas Maximized Magic and Devoted Blade (Holy). I think its a special moment when you can maximize an empowered spell with a multiple elemental bursting holy phasing seeking arrow on the BBEG at a distance.

I wouldn't go myrmidarch because you lose some really good things; spells, spell recall, Imp. spell recall, knowledge pool, magus arcanas

It don't make sense having all these cool abilities if you don't have any spells to use them.

[ElyasRavenwood]

Thank you all for your posts.

I did look at the Myrmedarch, and while it gets at the combat options I am interested in much more quickly, I think the price is too high. I wouldn't want to give up 1 spell/ level, nor spell recall.

Thank you Artanthos, MC Templar, and Fastmover....those all seem attractive options.

I guess I am looking to make a generalist over a specialist.

Thanks again.