OK I'm wanting to run a game where there are only two players. Figuring they would need some extra help I wanted them to have a buddy who knew about tactics and combat as the two players aren't experienced.
I was thinking about basing the character on Ed Lane from Flashpoint, removing the firearms aspect of the character and replacing it with knowledge of combat magic.
With that in mind what would the best class(es) be to accomplish this. I was thinking the ranged spellstrike variant from ultimate combat for the magus class but am open to suggestions.
I'm kind of wanting the build to be usable from levels 2+ so I'm not looking at a finished 20 level roadmap.
Any ideas from the advice board?
If there were better non-mount versions of the cavalier, I'd suggest that for the tactician ability. Honestly, depending on how long you want to go, steering him toward Battle Herald wouldn't be a bad idea mechanically - it focuses less on battlefield magics and more on tactics and aiding the other players with his actions. It'd definitely require some heavy reflavoring though.
A reflavored Cleric with the evangelist archetype might be a good fit as well. He can heal the party when needed and gets access to some good bardic performances. He's divine instead of arcane, but mechanically it could be a good fit for you.
Classes requiring reflavoring aside, I think the magus, as you already suggested, or the Inquisitor would be good choices. As the inquisitor, he can remain a deadly ranged combatant if you wanted preserve that aspect of the character.
I really do think that the cavalier fits him best though - specifically the honor guard or strategist archetypes from Ultimate Combat if it's just a 2 man party. (and if you wanted guns after all, there's always the musketeer archetype!)