Building a PFS Magus- advice welcome


Advice

1 to 50 of 60 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | next > last >>
Grand Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Greetings, I've recently acquired a GM Boon that allows me to play a Vishkanya, and i've been contemplating building this character as a Magus.

I was looking at the Bladebound and Mindblade archetypes.

I was thinking stat wise-
12 Str/16 dex/14 con/15 int/8 wis/13 cha

and as a first lvl feat taking Weapon Finesse- i want to make sure i hit so i can spellstrike effectively.

Any other advice i should consider when building a Magus, especially if i want to play one of the aforementioned archetypes?

Grand Lodge

so, no advice for building this magus? no comparisons of the utility of having a sentient weapon ala Bladebound versus being able to manifest my own psychic weapons ala the Mindblade ?

could a Vishkanya even poison their psychic weapons? would a Black Blade allow being envemonated?

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

Here's a guide and advice thread.

I recommend the Bladebound; it is both more fun to play than the Mindblade, and mechanically stronger.

You have no need of 12 str if you're going to go Weapon Finesse (and presumably Dervish Dance); you can drop that to 8 and put more points in your dex. Since a psychic weapon has a physical form, you should be able to poison it, yes. Whether the black blade likes poison is up to you, as you get to decide its personality.

HTH!


You have a bonus to Dex (Nice), a bonus to Cha (your dump stat), a penalty to wis (what?), and a racial ability that runs off con (again). You're about as MAD as hell, and you bring up good points about poison potentially being completely un-usable ...

Honestly this looks like a really fun character to me =)

Haven't had a look at any alt-racial traits yet, are any of them any good? Can you take alt-traits?

What's your general idea for the character other than archetype? Caster-magus? Combat-magus? Signature-spell (most magi have one, you don't have to)? What's your plan for that Cha? Allignment? ec etc..?

Grand Lodge

Here's what my magus's stats look like (before racials)

str 9
dex 16
con 14
int 16
wis 10
cha 7

Being level 5, here's what they actually look like (after racials, lvl 4 bonus, and enhancement bonus)

str 9
dex 18
con 14
int 21
wis 10
cha 5

Archetypes Bladebound and Kensai

Feats I've got
1) Weapon Focus - Rapier (from Kensai)
3) Extra Traits
5) Grasping Tail (tiefling so I can hold metamagic rods in my tail and don't need to spend a trait on Magical Lineage)
Bonus Feat 5) Was Fencing Grace... I may replace that with something else now that it no longer works with spell combat :angryface:.
7) Extra Arcana (Spell blending - Mage Armor + (was going to be contingent action before they upped the spell level and nerfed the duration) so idk what the second spell will be now)

9, 11, and bonus feat at 11 I haven't planned.

Traits:
Magic - Two-World Magic - take Touch of Fatigue as an awesome touch cantrip so you don't have to rely on cheesy (but perfectly legal) Arcane Mark
Faction - Tomb Raider (pfs faction trait Scarab Sages) +1 perception & kn dungeoneering, plus perception is a class skill
Social - Clever Wordplay -> Use Magic Device is now based off of int
Religion - Defensive Strategist - not flat-footed before acting in combat (which is good for me because without buffs that 11 AC vs 20)

If you're curious, my vishkanya I'm making into a rogue


Since you have a charisma boon, perhaps consider Eldritch Scion? It's the cha-based spontaneous casting version. It's different, but it looks fun to me.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

Lucy_Valentine wrote:
Since you have a charisma boon, perhaps consider Eldritch Scion? It's the cha-based spontaneous casting version. It's different, but it looks fun to me.

Good choice. Some of those bloodlines are seriously amazing. For example, getting automatic reach at level 4, that stacks with reach weapons and/or Lunge? Sign me up!

Grand Lodge

MrCharisma wrote:

You have a bonus to Dex (Nice), a bonus to Cha (your dump stat), a penalty to wis (what?), and a racial ability that runs off con (again). You're about as MAD as hell, and you bring up good points about poison potentially being completely un-usable ...

Honestly this looks like a really fun character to me =)

Haven't had a look at any alt-racial traits yet, are any of them any good? Can you take alt-traits?

What's your general idea for the character other than archetype? Caster-magus? Combat-magus? Signature-spell (most magi have one, you don't have to)? What's your plan for that Cha? Allignment? ec etc..?

I don't have have much an idea what i want to do with this character. Since this is a PFS build, i technically have the opportunity to play it a few times before i decide how i actually want to play this character.

I could try out the MindBlade and/or the Scion when i get a chance, but the Bladebound doesn't really do anything til third level.

I'd prefer to avoid the stereotypical "Scimitar/Whirling Dervish" build, and the Weapon Finesse is mostly to overcome the TWF/Spell Combat penalty.

I could dump Cha, and take Clever Wordplay and something else.

I'm the type that would prefer to stray from the norm- Halfling Saurian Shaman with an Ankylosaur, nism?

i was thinking about trying to make this character a bard, but I want to try a Magus.

Grand Lodge

Trying the Mindblade archetype first.
Stats are mostly the same, though some stats are a bit different:
12 Str/16 Dex/14 Con/16 Int/10 Wis/9 Cha

*decided to dump Cha, put some points to at least even out Wisdom- because a low Will Save on a caster type is bad, as is a low Perception.

These will be the same stats for the Bladebound build, if i go that way.

For the Eldritch Scion build, since i don't need Int for my spells-
12/16/14/11/10/16

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

Selvaxri wrote:
I could try out the MindBlade and/or the Scion when i get a chance, but the Bladebound doesn't really do anything til third level.

Well, the main question is "do you want an intelligent weapon by your side, or not".

Quote:
I'd prefer to avoid the stereotypical "Scimitar/Whirling Dervish" build,

You could also go strength-primary. It saves the feat, and most Magi rely on their spells for defense anyway.

Quote:
I could dump Cha, and take Clever Wordplay and something else.

I find it's generally a good idea to focus, yes. Don't try to keep all abilities at an average level, but specialize in one (dex 18-19 is easy to do at level one) and don't be afraid to dump some (str or wis or cha, in this case). Student of Philosophy is even better than Clever Wordplay.

Quote:
i was thinking about trying to make this character a bard, but I want to try a Magus.

Well there is an archetype that gets bard spells, i.e. the Puppetmaster.

Liberty's Edge

Hello Selvaxri, I hope you enjoy your Magus. I've been looking at Mindblade as well, and I just wanted to share two potential issues I've noticed with the archetype.

1. Many GMs discourage drawn weapons in social situations. Your psychic weapon can stay out indefinitely, but it must be held. It's possible you will have to dismiss it while negotiating, or walking around town, etc. Before Level 8 turns it into a Swift Action, the action economy for Manifestation is dire. Standard Action on every first round of combat. It's actually Level 13 if you're using TWF. Thankfully for dungeon crawl scenarios, you can just turn them on at the entrance to the cave (or whatever).

2. Thought Components are terrible for Spell Combat. Basically, every Concentration Check DC is increased by 10 unless you use a Move Action to focus. Of course, you cannot do that if you're using a Full Round to Spell Combat. The DCs are not impossible, but they are much more difficult for a Mindblade than an arcane Magus.

All that said, it's a very interesting archetype.

Grand Lodge

Kurald Galain wrote:
Selvaxri wrote:
I could try out the MindBlade and/or the Scion when i get a chance, but the Bladebound doesn't really do anything til third level.
Well, the main question is "do you want an intelligent weapon by your side, or not".

Again- it doesn't become a Star Dragon Sword until third level.

Aside from a scaling, talking weapon... what good is this archetype? ;) :p

contemplating maybe stacking it with the Hexcrafter archetype, and pretend that acquiring thier "Black Blade" had cursed them.

Quote:
Quote:
I'd prefer to avoid the stereotypical "Scimitar/Whirling Dervish" build,
You could also go strength-primary. It saves the feat, and most Magi rely on their spells for defense anyway.

I though Magi used spells to deal damage, as per Spell Combat/Spellstrike...

If they aren't using their class defining abilities, then what are they doing?

Quote:
I could dump Cha, and take Clever Wordplay and something else.
I find it's generally a good idea to focus, yes. Don't try to keep all abilities at an average level, but specialize in one (dex 18-19 is easy to do at level one) and don't be afraid to dump some (str or wis or cha, in this case). Student of Philosophy is even better than Clever Wordplay.

If i go Bladebound/Hexcrafter, i was thinking stats would "even" out to 14/14/14/16/10/9

Quote:
i was thinking about trying to make this character a bard, but I want to try a Magus.
Well there is an archetype that gets bard spells, i.e. the Puppetmaster.

meh... i'd actually build him as a bard though.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

Selvaxri wrote:
Aside from a scaling, talking weapon... what good is this archetype? ;) :p

Getting a magic weapon for free that automatically improves as you level and that will usually be better than what anybody else can afford?

Quote:
I though Magi used spells to deal damage, as per Spell Combat/Spellstrike...

Also that. First round, use spell combat to put up a defense spell (e.g. Shield or Mirror Image), five-step up, and attack. Second round, defensively cast e.g. Frostbite, full attack, and step back as needed.

Quote:
If i go Bladebound/Hexcrafter, i was thinking stats would "even" out to 14/14/14/16/10/9

That's up to you, but I'd recommend either an 18 in dex or str.

Grand Lodge

Since the Black Blade enhancement/damage scales with me, and itself has the ability to buff it's damage, i may just run with a previous stat arrangment- 12/16/14/16/10/9.

Student of Philosophy & Reactionary for my starting traits?
Weapon Finesse as my first feat, what other feats should i consider later?

Also, i was looking at the magus spell list, and people were saying Touch of Fatigue was on his list... couldn't find it.
May consider the Hexcrafter for access to Hexes.


Bladebound and Hexcrafter won't stack. Bladebound replaces the third level Magus Arcana, and Hexcrafter alters the entire Magus Arcana ability by adding Accursed Strike to the list.

Edit: Touch of Fatigue isn't on the Magus list. Some people use the Spell Blending Magus Arcana to add it to the list. That might be why you have heard of others using it.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

You can use a trait to add Touch of Fatigue to your list, or Hexcrafter for Brand, or take Close Range + Ray of Frost, or just use Arcane Mark.

Grand Lodge

Gisher wrote:
Bladebound and Hexcrafter won't stack. Bladebound replaces the third level Magus Arcana, and Hexcrafter alters the entire Magus Arcana ability by adding Accursed Strike to the list.

How does adding Accursed Strike alter the entire Arcana?

Also, Bladebound triggers at 3rd, Hexcrafter at 4th...
Bladebound only replaces our ability to select an Arcana at third by giving us the Black Blade.
Hexcrafter "alters" the Magus' Arcana by allowing him to choose from hexes.

"Alters" isn't the same as "Replaces" unless I am mistaken, those two archetypes do stack.


I think there was a FAQ that said if an archetype adds options to an ability, that counts as modifying the ability. I can't find it right now though.


Selvaxri wrote:
Gisher wrote:
Bladebound and Hexcrafter won't stack. Bladebound replaces the third level Magus Arcana, and Hexcrafter alters the entire Magus Arcana ability by adding Accursed Strike to the list.

How does adding Accursed Strike alter the entire Arcana?

Also, Bladebound triggers at 3rd, Hexcrafter at 4th...
Bladebound only replaces our ability to select an Arcana at third by giving us the Black Blade.
Hexcrafter "alters" the Magus' Arcana by allowing him to choose from hexes.

"Alters" isn't the same as "Replaces" unless I am mistaken, those two archetypes do stack.

For the purpose of stacking archetypes, there is no difference between "alters" or "replaces." By default any change to a class feature prevents stacking with other archetypes that modify that same feature. But there are some class abilities, like the Magus Arcana class ability, that contain subfeatures. The stacking rules for those are more complicated. (See below.)

Paladin of Baha-who? wrote:
I think there was a FAQ that said if an archetype adds options to an ability, that counts as modifying the ability. I can't find it right now though.

It's here.

Quote:

Archetype Stacking and Altering: What exactly counts as altering a class feature for the purpose of stacking archetypes?

In general, if a class feature grants multiple subfeatures, it’s OK to take two archetypes that only change two separate subfeatures. This includes two bard archetypes that alter or replace different bardic performances (even though bardic performance is technically a single class feature) or two fighter archetypes that replace the weapon training gained at different levels (sometimes referred to as “weapon training I, II, III, or IV”) even though those all fall under the class feature weapon training.

However, if something alters the way the parent class feature works, such as a mime archetype that makes all bardic performances completely silent, with only visual components instead of auditory, you can’t take that archetype with an archetype that alters or replaces any of the sub-features. This even applies for something as small as adding 1 extra round of bardic performance each day, adding an additional bonus feat to the list of bonus feats you can select, or adding an additional class skill to the class. As always, individual GMs should feel free to houserule to allow small overlaps on a case by case basis, but the underlying rule exists due to the unpredictability of combining these changes.

Bladebound replaces the 3rd level Magus Arcana which is a subfeature of the Magus Arcana class ability.

But Hexcrafter alters the parent feature, the Magus Arcana class ability itself, by adding an additional Arcana to the list of Arcana that you can select. This parallels the FAQ's example of "adding an additional bonus feat to the list of bonus feats you can select."

The FAQ states that "...if something alters the way the parent class feature works... you can’t take that archetype with an archetype that alters or replaces any of the sub-features."

So Bladebound and Hexcrafter do not stack.


I think Gisher is technically correct.

I don't know anyone who actually enforces that though. I think Bladebound-Hexcrafter is a fairly flavourful way of replacing the Witch's familiar with a sentient blade. Seems to fit the feel of it perfectly.

I'm fairly sure I've heard people talk about playing Bladbound-Hexcrafters in PFS too, but I'm not sure.
Anyone know how they rule this in PFS?


MrCharisma wrote:

I think Gisher is technically correct.

I don't know anyone who actually enforces that though. I think Bladebound-Hexcrafter is a fairly flavourful way of replacing the Witch's familiar with a sentient blade. Seems to fit the feel of it perfectly.

I'm fairly sure I've heard people talk about playing Bladbound-Hexcrafters in PFS too, but I'm not sure.
Anyone know how they rule this in PFS?

Before the FAQ I think most people, including me, thought they were compatible. My reasoning was pretty much the same as Selvaxri's. So I'm sure they existed in PFS back then. I'm pretty sure that in PFS they are supposed to follow the current rules, which would now exclude this combination.


PFS would not allow bladebound hexcrafters, although some may have been played in the past before this FAQ was released.

Grand Lodge

The way i'm reading bladebound, is that instead of giving you the option of choosing an Arcana at third level- it just says "Here, you get this instead."

If it's not technically PFS legal, than okay- it was mostly just flavor. when someone gets a talking sword that is perpetually condescending- you'd assume you were cursed as well.


I think this is the problem:

Quote:
A magus with this class feature cannot take the familiar magus arcana, and cannot have a familiar of any kind, even from another class.

Even though this doesn't explicitly say it alters the arcana class feature, logically, if adding an option alters the feature, removing one must do so as well.


Simon Dragonar wrote:


1. Many GMs discourage drawn weapons in social situations. Your psychic weapon can stay out indefinitely, but it must be held. It's possible you will have to dismiss it while negotiating, or walking around town, etc.

Think of it this way, despite open carry laws, people still get freaked out when someone walks down the street carrying an AR-15, bandoleers of ammo, and other implements of destruction.

Imagine the same person walking down the street carrying the gun in ready to fire position.


Gisher wrote:
MrCharisma wrote:

I think Gisher is technically correct.

I don't know anyone who actually enforces that though. I think Bladebound-Hexcrafter is a fairly flavourful way of replacing the Witch's familiar with a sentient blade. Seems to fit the feel of it perfectly.

I'm fairly sure I've heard people talk about playing Bladbound-Hexcrafters in PFS too, but I'm not sure.
Anyone know how they rule this in PFS?

Before the FAQ I think most people, including me, thought they were compatible. My reasoning was pretty much the same as Selvaxri's. So I'm sure they existed in PFS back then. I'm pretty sure that in PFS they are supposed to follow the current rules, which would now exclude this combination.

I'm not sure what book they were reading. Bladebound from day one, explicitly has been spelling out that someone with this archetype simply CAN NOT have a familiar. The language can't get any more unambiguous than that.


Before the FAQ, it was not yet completely clear that removing or adding an option to a list of options from which a class feature could be chosen constituted altering that class feature.


Selvaxri wrote:

The way i'm reading bladebound, is that instead of giving you the option of choosing an Arcana at third level- it just says "Here, you get this instead."

If it's not technically PFS legal, than okay- it was mostly just flavor. when someone gets a talking sword that is perpetually condescending- you'd assume you were cursed as well.

The problem is this:

UM wrote:

Black Blade (Ex): At 3rd level, the bladebound magus' gains a powerful sentient weapon called a black blade, whose weapon type is chosen by the magus. A magus with this class feature cannot take the familiar magus arcana, and cannot have a familiar of any kind, even from another class.

Instead of the normal arcane pool amount, the bladebound magus's arcane pool has a number of points equal to 1/3 his level (minimum 1) plus his Intelligence bonus. This ability changes the Arcane Pool class feature and replaces the magus arcana gained at 3rd level.

So the subfeature has been changed. According to the FAQ, you can't stack Bladebound with any archtype that either changes that subfeature or changes the parent class feature. Hexcrafter alters the parent class feature.


Paladin of Baha-who? wrote:
I think this is the problem:
Quote:
A magus with this class feature cannot take the familiar magus arcana, and cannot have a familiar of any kind, even from another class.
Even though this doesn't explicitly say it alters the arcana class feature, logically, if adding an option alters the feature, removing one must do so as well.

That wasn't the problem I was discussing, although it also would prevent stacking under the FAQ.


Drahliana Moonrunner wrote:
Gisher wrote:
MrCharisma wrote:

I think Gisher is technically correct.

I don't know anyone who actually enforces that though. I think Bladebound-Hexcrafter is a fairly flavourful way of replacing the Witch's familiar with a sentient blade. Seems to fit the feel of it perfectly.

I'm fairly sure I've heard people talk about playing Bladbound-Hexcrafters in PFS too, but I'm not sure.
Anyone know how they rule this in PFS?

Before the FAQ I think most people, including me, thought they were compatible. My reasoning was pretty much the same as Selvaxri's. So I'm sure they existed in PFS back then. I'm pretty sure that in PFS they are supposed to follow the current rules, which would now exclude this combination.
I'm not sure what book they were reading. Bladebound from day one, explicitly has been spelling out that someone with this archetype simply CAN NOT have a familiar. The language can't get any more unambiguous than that.

Umm, okay. I have always known that they can't have familiars. Until the FAQ, there wasn't any reason to think that was a problem.

Liberty's Edge

Drahliana Moonrunner wrote:

Think of it this way, despite open carry laws, people still get freaked out when someone walks down the street carrying an AR-15, bandoleers of ammo, and other implements of destruction.

Imagine the same person walking down the street carrying the gun in ready to fire position.

Yes, I know. I wasn't disagreeing with it. :)

Grand Lodge

Oksy... I've got a new question: what is the advantage of using Arcane Mark over Ray of Frost/Acid Splash then 5' stepping?

Maybe i'm not fully understanding the mechanics of Spell Combat, but advice on the matter would be helpful.

and in that regard, would Combat Casting be better for a Magus? because i'm still looking for Feat advice.


I have been looking at mindblade, mine is third level.
a few notes:


  • 1. Spell Combat is VERY hard because you can not take the move action to center yourself to9 cast a spell with a Thought component defensively.
  • 2. DR will be a problem as you level up, You can not get silver or cold iron until you hit 6th, and you will never be bypassing DR\good with out oiling up your weapon.

  • 3. Psychic access gives you heroism, false life and a few other VERY nice toys.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

Selvaxri wrote:
Oksy... I've got a new question: what is the advantage of using Arcane Mark over Ray of Frost/Acid Splash then 5' stepping?

Arcane Mark + Spellstrike deals substantially more damage than Acid Splash.

Quote:
and in that regard, would Combat Casting be better for a Magus? because i'm still looking for Feat advice.

At low levels, it is decent; at moderate levels, you should retrain out of it as the Magus has no problem concentrating in general.


Selvaxri wrote:

Oksy... I've got a new question: what is the advantage of using Arcane Mark over Ray of Frost/Acid Splash then 5' stepping?

Maybe i'm not fully understanding the mechanics of Spell Combat, but advice on the matter would be helpful.

The advantage is that if you cast a touch spell you get a free touch attack on the round you cast it.

As a magus, you can change that free touch attack to a free weapon attack on the round you cast it.
Thus using spell-combat and spellstrike you can make 1 extra attack per round using Arcane Mark, which is a cantrip, so it never runs out (full-round action, -2 to all attacks, concentration check etc etc).

There was talk earlier about whether it was "a feature or a bug", but it never got resolved. Since there was no official change, and since technically it's rules-legal, it's now considered a legal way of getting a free attack every round. Having said that, ask your DM before you start playing, some people have a problem with it.

Acid Splash & Ray of Frost are range touch attacks & don't allow spellstrike, but if you really want that touch attack cantrip without Arcane Mark, you can take the Close Range Arcana and use Ray of Frost, the Spell Blending Arcana (Touch of Fatigue is a good choice here), or the Hexcrafter Archetype which gets you the Brand Cantrip

Grand Lodge

Here's a question, since I'll be playing this character soon, does Spell Focus [Evocation] help at all, with my Spell Combat and later Spellstrike?

I'm still looking for advice on the possible Feats to take. Power Attack/Piranha Strike good for Magi?

Grand Lodge

So, no one has anything to help? I want to make an effective and flavorful character.


Selvaxri wrote:
Here's a question, since I'll be playing this character soon, does Spell Focus [Evocation] help at all, with my Spell Combat and later Spellstrike?

Spell focus is fine. Adding a +1 to the DC's isn't a bad thing. Chances are it's only going to help about 5% of the time, but over the course of 12 levels that's a lot. You likely won't regret it. The question is, what other feat would you take if you don't take it?

Selvaxri wrote:
I'm still looking for advice on the possible Feats to take. Power Attack/Piranha Strike good for Magi?

So I don't want to say these are bad, but they're not as good for you as a full BAB character.

As a 3/4 BAB character, you start with +0 BAB, which means you can't take them at level 1 (which usually means you don't get them till level 3).
Also as a magus you'll spend a lot of time holding your weapon in 1-hand, which you only get the -1attack/+2damage ratio, rather than -1/+3 that a greatsword wielder gets.

The Progression likely looks like this:
Level....Fighter....Magus
...........Att/Dmg..Att/Dmg
..1........-1/+3........-/-
..2........-1/+3........-/-
..3........-1/+3......-1/+2
..4........-2/+6......-1/+2
..5........-2/+6......-1/+2
..6........-2/+6......-2/+4
..7........-2/+6......-2/+4
..8........-3/+9......-2/+4
..9........-3/+9......-2/+4
.10.......-3/+9......-2/+4
.11.......-3/+9......-3/+6
.12.......-4/+12....-3/+6

It's not as good as a full BAB character, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Also any round when you're not using spell combat you can hold your weapon in 2 hands & get +50% dmg (from power attack, but not piranha strike if I'm reading it correctly).

Edit: The formatting looked terrible on my computer. If it's fine and legible great, if it's terrible for you let me know and I'll work something out =P


Kurald Galain wrote:

Here's a guide and advice thread.

I recommend the Bladebound; it is both more fun to play than the Mindblade, and mechanically stronger.

You have no need of 12 str if you're going to go Weapon Finesse (and presumably Dervish Dance); you can drop that to 8 and put more points in your dex. Since a psychic weapon has a physical form, you should be able to poison it, yes. Whether the black blade likes poison is up to you, as you get to decide its personality.

HTH!

Go strength that low and you'll find yourself in medium encumbrance if you wear more than a sweater for armor and live on a diet of any food and water heavier than air. Encumbrance is still a factor in PFS.


Drahliana Moonrunner wrote:
Kurald Galain wrote:

Here's a guide and advice thread.

I recommend the Bladebound; it is both more fun to play than the Mindblade, and mechanically stronger.

You have no need of 12 str if you're going to go Weapon Finesse (and presumably Dervish Dance); you can drop that to 8 and put more points in your dex. Since a psychic weapon has a physical form, you should be able to poison it, yes. Whether the black blade likes poison is up to you, as you get to decide its personality.

HTH!

Go strength that low and you'll find yourself in medium encumbrance if you wear more than a sweater for armor and live on a diet of any food and water heavier than air. Encumbrance is still a factor in PFS.

It shouldn't be a problem actually, he could buy a donkey or some sort of mount to carry his gear.


Selvaxri wrote:

Here's a question, since I'll be playing this character soon, does Spell Focus [Evocation] help at all, with my Spell Combat and later Spellstrike?

I'm still looking for advice on the possible Feats to take. Power Attack/Piranha Strike good for Magi?

You should consider combat reflexes, and using readied spellstrikes to make AoO's. My namesake was a magus built around basically taking his turn during everyone else's XD add in some mythic abilities, and the feat combat patrol, and you can start walking through armies laying waste to all you see.

Edit: The key parts of the build are getting to the combat patrol feat, and also increasing the size of your threatened range.


Ten'shun the Tengu wrote:
Drahliana Moonrunner wrote:
Kurald Galain wrote:

Here's a guide and advice thread.

I recommend the Bladebound; it is both more fun to play than the Mindblade, and mechanically stronger.

You have no need of 12 str if you're going to go Weapon Finesse (and presumably Dervish Dance); you can drop that to 8 and put more points in your dex. Since a psychic weapon has a physical form, you should be able to poison it, yes. Whether the black blade likes poison is up to you, as you get to decide its personality.

HTH!

Go strength that low and you'll find yourself in medium encumbrance if you wear more than a sweater for armor and live on a diet of any food and water heavier than air. Encumbrance is still a factor in PFS.
It shouldn't be a problem actually, he could buy a donkey or some sort of mount to carry his gear.

Haven't crawled around in many dungeons, have you? And if you start going the gnome/hafling route, that just makes the problem worse.


Drahliana Moonrunner wrote:
Ten'shun the Tengu wrote:
Drahliana Moonrunner wrote:
Kurald Galain wrote:

Here's a guide and advice thread.

I recommend the Bladebound; it is both more fun to play than the Mindblade, and mechanically stronger.

You have no need of 12 str if you're going to go Weapon Finesse (and presumably Dervish Dance); you can drop that to 8 and put more points in your dex. Since a psychic weapon has a physical form, you should be able to poison it, yes. Whether the black blade likes poison is up to you, as you get to decide its personality.

HTH!

Go strength that low and you'll find yourself in medium encumbrance if you wear more than a sweater for armor and live on a diet of any food and water heavier than air. Encumbrance is still a factor in PFS.
It shouldn't be a problem actually, he could buy a donkey or some sort of mount to carry his gear.
Haven't crawled around in many dungeons, have you? And if you start going the gnome/hafling route, that just makes the problem worse.

It's true, I've lived to long in the daylight above ground, but a combat trained mount will go dungeon crawling with you, should you really need the carrying capacity down there, and nothing beats a bag of holding at higher levels.

Edit: Still, I would never recommend to the OP that he drop his Str below 10, or he'd be taking penalties to his dmg rolls, as well as some other stats.

2nd Edit: Plus, we both know the OP is planning on a Vishkanya character. Gnomes/Halflings aren't involved.

Grand Lodge

MrCharisma wrote:
Selvaxri wrote:
Here's a question, since I'll be playing this character soon, does Spell Focus [Evocation] help at all, with my Spell Combat and later Spellstrike?
Spell focus is fine. Adding a +1 to the DC's isn't a bad thing. Chances are it's only going to help about 5% of the time, but over the course of 12 levels that's a lot. You likely won't regret it. The question is, what other feat would you take if you don't take it?

If I go dex-based, Weapon Finesse. And if I go Bladebound, the Black Blade's own damage increase will scale and offset my character's probable low strength.

I was also thinking Nimble Moves would be good for the rare occasions we're in difficult terrain; but my friend asked "What are the odds" that i'll actually use Nimble Moves- especially when i can buy Feather-Step Slippers or the like.

Weapon Finesse, Combat Casting, Combat Reflexes, Dodge/Artful Dodge are all on my list unless people recommend otherwise.

Ten'shun the Tengu wrote:


You should consider combat reflexes, and using readied spellstrikes to make AoO's. My namesake was a magus built around basically taking his turn during everyone else's XD add in some mythic abilities, and the feat combat patrol, and you can start walking through armies laying waste to all you see.

Edit: The key parts of the build are getting to the combat patrol feat, and also increasing the size of your threatened range.

Long Arm is on the Magus spell list, and there is the Longarm Braces [3/day Reach @-4]. Combat patrol would be interesting, but building around such a tactic would be very situational.

I had his stats as-
16/14/12/16/8/9 as a "str magus" and when i showed my friend, he was wondering where the high stats were... with two negative stats, he wasn't liking the negative Wis.
I will most likely go back to a previous stat set up.

I was considering Volatile Conduit (1d4 to Elec/Cold/Acid/Fire damage via spells) and Pragmatic Activator [Int to UMD] and eventually get the Weaponwand spell.

Grand Lodge

So, i recently GM's The Cyphermage Dilemma and almost ironically, the boss is a Vishkanya Magus.
sadly, i was never able to use her spell combat in the fight, as the party had a 3 lvl archer almost carrying the lvl 1's...

She had stats of 15/14/14/14/8/10 at lvl 6. my friend deduced that she was running off a 15pt build.

With my 20 pt build, and going off how she was build- i could possible run this character at-
15/14/14/15/9/10 and still get the use of power attack at later levels.

Still looking for advice and recommendations...


Here's a more unique approach to Magus that you might find interesting - it uses strength and Eldritch Scion with the very potent Arcane Bloodline.

Vishkanya: 16STR+, 12/14DEX, 12CON, 13INT, 8\6WIS, 14/16CHA
Traits: Magical Lineage: Hideous Laughter and Steadfast Personality

1. Extra Arcane Pool
3. Combat Expertise
5. +Magus: Blind-Fight / Moonlight Stalker
7. Persistent Spell
9. Power Attack

Moonlight Stalker adds +2 to all attack and damage rolls whenever you have concealment, and the Arcane Bloodline grants you continual free concealment whenever you're in 'mystical focus'. At level 4 you can get free Blur; at level 8 you can get free Displacement.

Steadfast Personality and a nice high charisma solves most of the problems with having a 6WIS.

Eldritch Scion has metamagic issues with Spell Combat, so you just use Frostbite for Spell Combat and focus your metamagic skills on dropping a really mean Persistent Hideous Laughter (take the Spell Blending Arcana). If you put Spell Storing on your sword, you can stuff a Persistent Hideous Laughter into it...

Grand Lodge

Eldritch Scion would be most beneficial with the Vishkanya's natural Charisma boost, but i'm not a fan of dumping my Will.

I'll look into the Scion archetype...


Selvaxri wrote:

Eldritch Scion would be most beneficial with the Vishkanya's natural Charisma boost, but i'm not a fan of dumping my Will.

I'll look into the Scion archetype...

You can always drop DEX or STR a bit and not dump Will; or you can drop Will but take Iron Will at first level.

Most of the possible bloodlines available through Eldritch Scion aren't really worth all that much, but Arcane Bloodline granting free powerful spell effects is the exception - especially Displacement or Haste. It's fairly cost-intensive with Arcane Pool points and consumes a lot of swift actions, but if you have Moonlight Stalker and maybe Spell Blending: Heroism you don't need to be dropping pool points on accuracy bonuses anyhow.

Grand Lodge

Steadfast Personality is a feat, not a Trait. so, unless i want to sink a Feat slot into Steadfast personality, i'd rather keep my Wis where the magus saves can keep me somewhat covered.

I could try running the ESM at 15/14/14/13/8/15, or drop con- and any chance of my venom being somewhat potent- and go 16/14/12/13/8/15


My mistake, confused the name with Irrepressible; anyhow, you can stat in all kinds of ways to make things work how you like. Just using Irrepressible and Iron Will does way more for Will saves than even a 4 point bump to WIS.

1 to 50 of 60 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Pathfinder / Pathfinder First Edition / Advice / Building a PFS Magus- advice welcome All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.