Magus question

[james maissen]

Pickguy wrote:

I have to admit that this freaked me out at first, until I remembered that rogues can do this exact same thing at 2nd level with Sneak Attack and TWF. I guess I can just classify Magus as a glass cannon.

Actually a rogue is in general better off as they don't have to:

1. Risk provoking an AOO and/or losing the spell (either via concentration check or damage dealt by the AOO).
2. Burn a daily resource.

I find that they are closer to monks burning ki.

In either event they fall into that 'light infantry' category that tries desperately to match a fighter for limited circumstances/durations.

Build a strong big weapon using fighter with power attack and cleave then compare the 'uber' damage. Be sure to factor in the chance to hit, the concentration check and the like. And count how many times the magus can do this in a day when compared to a fighter that can do it without any limitation.

-James

[Starglim]

Shimmergloom3k wrote:

Grick wrote:

It's backwards and confusing, but the result is correct.

He uses Spell Combat as a full-round action.

He casts Shocking Grasp, which grants him a free touch attack. He can A) roll a d20, making a melee touch attack to deliver the spell, or B) roll a d20, making a melee attack with his weapon to deliver the spell.

If he does A and hits, he delivers the shocking grasp for 2d6. If he does B and hits, he deals weapon damage (1d8+2) and delivers the shocking grasp for 2d6.

That takes care of his casting a spell. Now he gets a full-attack. Since he's level 2, that means 1 attack with his sword. Roll a d20 for a melee attack with his sword. If he hits he deals weapon damage (1d8+2) and if he missed earlier, he also delivers the shocking grasp and deals 2d6.

So he rolls two attacks total. If he hits with both, for the entire round he deals 2d6+2d8+4 assuming no DR, resistance, etc.

What if the Magus in the above example missed with both the casting a spell and the full-attack? I'm guessing the Magus would go into the next round with the spell charge.

So if the he opted for just a full-attack and he hit, he would deliver the weapon damage and the shocking grasp damage (2d6+1d8+2).

But if he opted to take a full round for Spell Combat, used his full-attack and hit (delivering weapon/shocking damage), could he still then cast a spell (another Shocking Grasp) to use Spellstrike again in that same round?

If he could and he hit with both attacks for that round, he would be dealing 4d6+2d8+4 assuming no DR, resistance, etc.

Does that sound right?

That sounds correct. On the second round, he uses spell combat to make a full attack applying the charge held on his sword (I would be one of those sticklers whom Grick mentioned) and to cast shocking grasp again. Note that in the previous round he did up to 1d8+2 damage, with -2 To Hit, and took a full attack from his opponent.

[Sobchak]

james maissen wrote:

Pickguy wrote:

I have to admit that this freaked me out at first, until I remembered that rogues can do this exact same thing at 2nd level with Sneak Attack and TWF. I guess I can just classify Magus as a glass cannon.

Actually a rogue is in general better off as they don't have to:

1. Risk provoking an AOO and/or losing the spell (either via concentration check or damage dealt by the AOO).
2. Burn a daily resource.

I find that they are closer to monks burning ki.

In either event they fall into that 'light infantry' category that tries desperately to match a fighter for limited circumstances/durations.

Build a strong big weapon using fighter with power attack and cleave then compare the 'uber' damage. Be sure to factor in the chance to hit, the concentration check and the like. And count how many times the magus can do this in a day when compared to a fighter that can do it without any limitation.

-James

I completely agree with your insight here. Spellstrike is sexy and flashy with its potential for high damage, but for me spellcombat is what makes this class deadly. If I am spamming a touch evocation like shocking grasp with magical lineage I am getting close to being a one trick pony.

Just to survive I am going to have throw up shield and mirror image. Without a pearl of power necklace or a batman utility belt of wands, you just can't do it every combat.

I much prefer being tactical and flexible. As long as I'm not boxed in, I don't care how much damage I do. I make my melee attack, and then step back and cast glitterdust on a group of low will mooks and watch the inquisitor and twf rogue tear them up. Less flashy, but more effective, and even at level 4 I still have a few spellstrike evocations to deliver high damage if I want to eliminate a target.