Hi everyone. I know this has been discussed before and I'm starting a new thread because it was years ago. But has anyone had any further thoughts on this topic?
I am GMing and my Magus has just reached 2nd (wow!)
So, this Arcane Mark combo really doesn't sit right with me. It feels like a loophole. A system as diverse and deep as PF is bound to have loopholes, but I'm loathe to exploit them. However, it's not reasonable to deny the combo if it's there. It's hard for a good tactical player to not optimise, even if he's feeling a little uncomfortable doing so. My player also feels the same.
My issue is not that it's overpowered. It's not. The magus has to cast defensively or risk getting cut to ribbons from op-attacks. And by the time he's of a level to hit 15 automatically he really should be doing something more effective anyway.
My issue is an aesthetic one. To my thinking the attack that spellstrike grants is a side effect of the spell, not a reason for casting an otherwise pointless spell just to get an attack. Why on earth would you Arcane Mark someone in combat? There may be a rare role-playing reason but essentially it's just to use the system as writ to get an extra attack.
Nah! Feels a bit 'munchkin' to me.
Trouble is, without being unfair to the character class, I can't think of a good, thematic way to stop it. No not 'stop' it. That would be wrong. To 'sensiblise' it (yes, I know there's no such word, but you get my drift).
The best I can come up with is to say Magi get Brand. Then, at least, it feels like there's a reason for casting it.
Does anyone have any other ideas?