Monty27's page

Hello all,

My question is which should be more crucial to me a +1 to BAB or a +1 to Caster Level?
I'm playing my first non-pure martial character a Level 1 dip into spellslinger and the rest Magus. By taking the dip into Spellslinger lowers my BAB below the medium range. This for some reason does not sit well with me. Is this an acceptable hit given it keeps my Caster Level from becoming reduced or should I take one level into fighter and get my BAB back to normal as well as picking up a feat at the expense of my Caster Level? The Magus is to get involved with melee, but should that supersede my Caster Level? Thank you for your time and help with this matter.

I am trying to put together a Spellslinger 1 / Magus 19. However, I have some questions about how I should put it together. I have read Walter’s Guide to the Magus at length, and I am aware of its advice. I would like input from any who’d lend their time to this, and it would be greatly appreciated.

 >Human, Dervish Dance/Agility build

- Attribute Stats (25pts):

STR – 10, DEX – 18, CON – 14, INT – 16, WIS – 12, CHA – 8

 *I went with high DEX with the theory in mind that it was more important that spellstrikes connected and spells did not go to waste.

- Traits: Focused Mind, Magical Lineage (Shocking Grasp)
- Racial Traits: Focused Study

 *I took this alternate racial trait to boost my stealth, and disable device so that I might work as a rogue if it called for it. If anyone has a better idea of what other skills I should use this for please submit them.

 >Should I use the Words of Power spell system as it would VASTLY open up the amount of spells I would be able to cast through the arcane gun via the Spellslinger, or is it not a viable choice. Keep in mind that I intend to be primarily a blaster.

>What kind of role/performance should I expect from this build? Frontline fighter (or will the Spellslinger’s hit on BAB be too much)? Backup caster? Weak ranged combatant? Which of the core classes is the Magus most akin to in terms of combat performance and the damage they are able to deal?

 >What kind of combatants will the Magus be strong/weak against?

>I am trying to build a character that can be used in all situations, and I would like to know if this is an unrealistic goal. I am hoping that the Magus will have good enough melee potential, spell blasting capabilities, and infiltration viability.

>I’m a bit strained for feats. I’ve decided on taking the following: Arcane Strike, Dervish Dance (if I don’t go Agility Enchantment), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus. Beyond that I can’t decide. I have noticed that the pistol lacks a little punch, but I don’t know if or how many feats I should sacrifice to make it more potent.

>Should I take a archtype to make my Magus more combat capable like the Bladebound or Myrmidarch?

>What should I be spending my Arcane pool points on? Enchanting my weapon, recalling spells, Magus arcana’s, etc?

 >Any other general advice about the construction of a level 1 Spellslinger/19 Magus.

Thank you all greatly for your help.

Hello my Gamer Kin,
This is my first time posting (anything) so be gentle.
My question pertains to the conversion of all 3.5 base classes such as samurai, ninja, favored soul, warmage, duskblade, and any other base classes from the 3.5 supplement books by WotC. I realize that Pathfinder was created with reverse compatibility in mind, but as we all know that the new primary base classes from the PHB are far more "potent" than those yet to be converted, and before you ask, I am familiar with the conversion guide PDF provided by Paizo, and I have read it. The guide has proven most useful with all other aspects of conversion such as feats, hit die, skills, ect. The advice it gives for converting base classes are helpful as well, but I believe they leave far too much ambiguity in terms of updating the classes. I fear that my attempt to update the base classes will be poorly executed and thus will either leave the updated base class somewhat lacking or overpowered.
Currently I am DM'ing a group with players who will often stew over books for hours to find loopholes that will attempt to break the game (dang near in two). This would be cool if all the players were like this (if all the players are even I don't care), however there are others who just want to play normal characters, but find it difficult to keep up with the others who exploit the game. And the sad fact of the matter is, I simple do not have the time anymore to try to update the classes and to test them to make sure that they are fair.
MY POINT IS, that there is a fine line between balanced and broke. When I have tried to make a change to a class or give the group a hand, some of the players take that inch and turn it into the Daytona 500. So here is the big question--> Does Paizo plan to, or have already updated the remaining base classes to the Pathfinder system? Perhaps in past magazine releases? If they have or will do it, I will subscribe so freakin' fast. Or maybe in new published supplements (though I would hate to have to buy the whole collection again...so much money).
If any of you out there in the Dungeons & Dragons community (Yes, I consider Pathfinder the true D&D and expect all of you to address is as such….B.S. 4th edition should go play in heavy traffic…no offense to those who do like it ,I just think your terrible and immorally depraved people for playing it that‘s all…joking btw) wish to give suggestions, I will most gladly accept them. Though I must admit, something more "official" would be preferable.