What I want to know is can you fight defensively while casting spells? to gain the +2 AC and -4 attack rolls?
I know you can cast defensively by making a concentration check = to 15+2x the spell level but can you do both?
example: I am fighting defensively, than I will cast defensively
... make a concentration check. and gain +2 AC
Look at the action cost for fighting defensively, then the action cost for casting a spell. You won't be doing both (unless quickened which doesn't provoke).
The only way I can see this MAYBE working is with a Magus but that is a bit unclear.
Casting Defensively doesn't change the type of action it is to cast a spell, so assuming you have a way to cast as a swift or free action and Fight Defensively (standard or Full Action), you should be ok to Fight and Cast Defensively on the same turn.
The only way I can see this MAYBE working is with a Magus but that is a bit unclear.
Still a no.
I never thought about it before but fighting defensively says "while attacking" so when using spells to make an attack roll I can see it working.
Why not let someone cast scorching ray defensively for the -4 to hit and +2 to AC?
I mean I wouldn't let someone cast fireball that way since there is no attack roll involved but with something like a ray or touch attack I don't see a problem.
On the magus and spell combat I think you have to use a full attack action to do cast and swing so no on that since fighting defensively is a standard action.
However if you are going Full Defensive, not even the Magus has that option, as Full Defensive takes up the entire round, leaving room for nothing save a 5 foot step.
A total defense is a standard action that provides a +4 dodge bonus to AC and you cannot make attacks of opportunity while doing so. You can continue to use swift-action and move-action abilities such as spells and some martial options outside of core (such as a warblade taking a total defense and then using an immediate action to attempt to parry an incoming attack). You can likewise run, jump, draw items, or even use Stealth as your move actions allow.
Characters with Uncanny Dodge can continue taking a total defense while doing nothing else to get a +4 dodge bonus to their AC against ambushes, even if they are caught by surprise, which can be helpful when traveling through hostile territory. The reason this does not work without Uncanny Dodge is you lose dexterity and dodge bonuses while flat-footed.
Before anyone says you cannot take a total defense outside of combat, let it be known that you can. It is a standard action and you can do it while walking around, just as paladins and spellcasters can keep up effects like detect evil or detect good by spending standard actions to keep up their concentration of them.
Still a no.
RAW a Magus can, although I admit the rules are bit conviluded.
Spell Combat (Ex)
At 1st level, a magus learns to cast spells and wield his weapons at the same time. This functions much like two-weapon fighting, but the off-hand weapon is a spell that is being cast...
So a Magus who uses Spell Combat works much like two-weapon fighting.
Full Attack
If you get more than one attack per round because your base attack bonus is high enough (see Base Attack Bonus in Classes), because you fight with two weapons or a double weapon, or for some special reason, you must use a full-round action to get your additional attacks...
So you have to take a full attack action to use two weapon fighting, and from everything the rules shows Spell Combat. Nothing odd so far.
Fighting Defensively as a Full-Round Action
You can choose to fight defensively when taking a full-attack action. If you do so, you take a –4 penalty on all attacks in a round to gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC for the same round...
So since using spell combat functions as a full attack and you can Fight Defensively a Magus can. I don't see any other conclusion RAW, and I don't see it as being a big deal game balance wise but I still wouldn't fault a runner for not allowing it in a home game.
What I want to know is can you fight defensively while casting spells? to gain the +2 AC and -4 attack rolls?
You can if you use the attack action to attack with the spell.
Normally, you get a free attack as part of the casting a spell action. That would not qualify you for fighting defensively. However, if you are holding the charge you're using the attack action so you should be able to fight defensively like any other character.
Before anyone says you cannot take a total defense outside of combat, let it be known that you can. It is a standard action and you can do it while walking around, just as paladins and spellcasters can keep up effects like detect evil or detect good by spending standard actions to keep up their concentration of them.
And furthermore, let it be known it slows your travel speed by 1/2.
Before anyone says you cannot take a total defense outside of combat, let it be known that you can. It is a standard action and you can do it while walking around, just as paladins and spellcasters can keep up effects like detect evil or detect good by spending standard actions to keep up their concentration of them.And furthermore, let it be known it slows your travel speed by 1/2.
I'm almost certain that most people don't travel using double move actions when you're just moving along (when was the last time you were walking along at a pace of ten feet per second?). Unless you're hustling, you're probably not missing your standard action in the least.
So since using spell combat functions as a full attack and you can Fight Defensively a Magus can. I don't see any other conclusion RAW, and I don't see it as being a big deal game balance wise but I still wouldn't fault a runner for not allowing it in a home game.
Quickly read "as a full round action" and took it literally. Would still go the + defensive bonus as a magus though for the penalty if I was pressed. Rather rely on 1 roll I have more control over than an opponents roll which always 5% of success regardless of whether I buff myself or not.
Quickly read "as a full round action" and took it literally. Would still go the + defensive bonus as a magus though for the penalty if I was pressed. Rather rely on 1 roll I have more control over than an opponents roll which always 5% of success regardless of whether I buff myself or not.
So since using spell combat functions as a full attack and you can Fight Defensively a Magus can. I don't see any other conclusion RAW, and I don't see it as being a big deal game balance wise but I still wouldn't fault a runner for not allowing it in a home game.
I'm not claiming it's a good idea, just that it's possible. Besides at some levels for some spells he is almost a sure thing to get the spell off but might still want that plus to AC.