To me it seems that the magus is trending more towards renaissance swashbuckler than dark age warrior. The class emphasizes high crit range, one handed, weapons (basically Rapiers). I wonder if it wouldn't be better to explicitly design this class as some form of musketeers with magic. That would certainly seem to result in a clearer conceptual role than the current class.
I think if they`re explicit they might get in copyright trouble with Disney or something...
Seriously, I agree, especially since the other imagery being tossed around is scimitars (arabian swashbucklers) and whips, with or without daggers on the ends (more gothic than renaissance per se, but pretty much a fantasy extension of swashbuckler ethos).
I think if they want to mix it up, there should be an Arcana that allows Magus levels to stack with Monk for purposes of Unarmed Strike damage (and possibly usages of Stunning Fist) and Flurry of Blows BAB progression, which would give better 1 handed base damage at high levels and also allow a potent Full Attack combo. At the least, that seems something appropriate for a Setting specific supplements from Jalmeray.
The thing against that flavor though, is that they eventually get Heavy Armor Casting at high levels, but I guess chalk that up to the neo-modern-archaic-fantasy blurring of historical eras...
I don't know. Bards, with their high cha, can be made to do one version of swashbuckler. Magus seems more like a secret society type Renesaunce template. I mean the class is basically built around a two weapon fighting style that throws spells with the off hand. I still have to wonder what happens if you put a wand in that other hand though.
I think of the magus more like a Taoist magician or yamabushi, sword in one hand, blazing with magic. More wuxia, really. I can see a sort of swashbuckler, but maybe more after the elvish fashion.
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I don't know. Bards, with their high cha, can be made to do one version of swashbuckler. Magus seems more like a secret society type Renesaunce template. I mean the class is basically built around a two weapon fighting style that throws spells with the off hand. I still have to wonder what happens if you put a wand in that other hand though.
What makes you say it is renaissance?
I don't know. Bards, with their high cha, can be made to do one version of swashbuckler. Magus seems more like a secret society type Renesaunce template. I mean the class is basically built around a two weapon fighting style that throws spells with the off hand. I still have to wonder what happens if you put a wand in that other hand though.What makes you say it is renaissance?
The single weapon, no shield thing does sort of scream it.
They should also do well wielding Flails...
Having a Bludgeon type weapon can be useful,
and pulling off maneuvers seems one of their possible focuses,
so having a Trip weapon so as to benefit from their various weapon enhancements makes sense.
They really seem similar to the Inquisitor, of course who is their Divine equivalent.
(BAB, HD, Casting, and role-wise, i.e. somewhat fighty with casting and special abilities to augment medium BAB)
Swashbucklery/Neo-Gothic weaponry seems to match the Gothicy Inquisitor vibe, the Inquisitor just seems freer of the holy vengeance vibe and more appropriate for the swashbuckling chaotic adventurer types...
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The single weapon, no shield thing does sort of scream it.I don't know. Bards, with their high cha, can be made to do one version of swashbuckler. Magus seems more like a secret society type Renesaunce template. I mean the class is basically built around a two weapon fighting style that throws spells with the off hand. I still have to wonder what happens if you put a wand in that other hand though.What makes you say it is renaissance?
So... Pike Squares, fire arms, and bucklers. Those are what I think of when I think renaissance. Using a side-sword or rapier with a buckler was the origin of the term swashbuckler after all.
Not using a shield was common of honor duels, so maybe if the Magus was lawful I could see this.
Just kidding.
Maybe an advanced Arcana could involve wielding their Familiar as a 1-handed weapon?