What else for this staff Magus?

[argent solbright]

So, I made this Staff Magus. What else I should take? I'm confused especially on Items. Not looking for super optimized character here, just some possibly good options.

Level 5 Human Staff Magus

Str: 14
Dex: 14
Con: 14
Int: 16
Wis: 10
Cha: 12

(note: I know Cha is dump stat but the character concept demand at least non-negative Cha and I have spare 2 point anyway)

Arcana:
Arcane Accuracy
Maneuver Mastery (Trip)

Feats:
QuarterStaff Master (B)
Weapon Focus: Quarterstaff (Bonus by Houserule)
Combat Expertise (Human bonus)
Improved Trip (1st)
Weapon Spec. (QuarterStaff) (3rd)
??? (5th)

And What Items I should spend my 11000 gp on? I can olny think of the normal +X/+X staff (+2/+2 affordable with craft MW&A otherwise just +1/+1), +1 Chain shirt, maybe mithral, Handy Haversack and Cloak of resistance.

[Elon Shabin]

If it were left to me, I would go with a +1 (effect)/+1 (effect) quarterstaff rather than go down the pure +2/+2 route. Mithral is always a good call, and handy haversacks are also great. Not so sure about the cloaks of resistance, but then again I have never used them really. There are plenty of amusing items that are not particularly magical, feather tokens are a good example. Flasks of alchemists fire and ice are almost always useful if you can stand back from the combat a little. If you are going for a none optimised build then surely you can afford to go for the flavour items rather than the pure utility. Therefore also look at things like wands and scrolls of various spells.

[LazarX]

Take a look at some of the Trip feats in Ultimate Combat as you progress further in levels. Remember also that you can boost your staff's effectiveness with your Arcane Pool. You might also want to look at the new arcana in Ultimate Combat as well, such as Arcane Redoubt.

[argent solbright]

Thanks for the responses.

I haven't check UC stuffs . I'll go check them.

It is worth it to max UMD and purchase some scrolls/wands form outside Magus spell list? I heard a lot about UMD's usefulness but haven't actually seen much use of it in play.

[LazarX]

argent solbright wrote:

Thanks for the responses.

I haven't check UC stuffs . I'll go check them.

It is worth it to max UMD and purchase some scrolls/wands form outside Magus spell list? I heard a lot about UMD's usefulness but haven't actually seen much use of it in play.

Quite frankly, I think UMD is over-rated, but it can be of use. That said, one day you just might be using a lucky roll to bring a key player back into action. So I would say a qualified yes, but don't dedicate too much of your character's wealth to it.

And do check ultimate combat. If you think Ultimate Magic had Magus goodness in it, it was just a sampler compared to UC.

[Talon Stormwarden]

I'm curious why you're enchanting both ends of the staff. Unless you're planning to two-weapon fight you only need one end enchanted.

Also, is your GM ok with you buying items at half price via crafting feats? Just checking.

I would go straight plusses on the staff, rather than effects. You can add effects on the fly as needed via arcane pool. Straight plusses are always useful to make up for 3/4 bab and later add to armor class.

As for UMD, if your party has any holes you could fill with it I'd recommend it, otherwise it's up to preference I think.

[argent solbright]

Talon Stormwarden wrote:

I'm curious why you're enchanting both ends of the staff. Unless you're planning to two-weapon fight you only need one end enchanted.

I'm under the impression that magic weapon need to be enchanted on both end. After re-reading the rule, looks like there's isn't actually such wording.

Quote:

Also, is your GM ok with you buying items at half price via crafting feats? Just checking.

Haven't check it yet actually. I usually build characters that way (in other games with other DMs).

Quote:

I would go straight plusses on the staff, rather than effects. You can add effects on the fly as needed via arcane pool. Straight plusses are always useful to make up for 3/4 bab and later add to armor class.

As for UMD, if your party has any holes you could fill with it I'd recommend it, otherwise it's up to preference I think.

Okay, thanks

[Skerek]

argent solbright wrote:

It is worth it to max UMD and purchase some scrolls/wands form outside Magus spell list? I heard a lot about UMD's usefulness but haven't actually seen much use of it in play.

as Talon Stormwarden mentioned UMD is ok when there are 'holes' sure, but just remember, even if you do max it, without taking feats to help out, you'll be level 15 before you don't have to roll for using a wand, and that's the lowest DC for UMD IIRC.

if you're not maxing UMD, switch wis and char around, +1 to your will save is never a bad thing.

anyway, other things to spend gold on? always, ALWAYS carry at least one potion of CLW(more is better), when the only person with healing spells goes down, you want to bring them back up, do this even if you want to max out UMD, because if you fail with a 1 on the check you can't use the wand for 24 hours, but you can always take a full round action to pour a potion down their throat.

[OmegaZ]

This might be a bit early, but I don't think it would be a bad idea to start saving up for a magic staff (the kind with spells in it). You will eventually be able to use 1/4 of its caster level as its weapon bonus, in addition to any other weapon bonuses you put on it. There are some really good options out there, especially if you decide to craft them yourself.