Magus using Spellstrike with Powerattack?

[llamaegg]

Hey guys! I'm currently building a Bladebound Magus (level 12), but still being relatively new to the game I'm trying to get a grasp on the mechanics.

The big thing I'm trying to wrap my head around right now is the use of Spellstrike/Spell Combat along with using feats with them, was hoping someone could help push me in the right direction.

So for example, let's say I use Spell Combat to cast Shocking Grasp (as it seems to be a popular choice), this grants me a free attack with my sword. So now if I move in I get two attacks, can I use Power Attack with my Spellstrike to gain an additional +3 on my damage?

Just trying to get a grasp with how many different things the Magus can stack in a single turn.

[Asharii]

If you deliver the spell with your sword, it is no longer a touch attack and you can therefore also apply Power Attack if you so choose.

However, you cannot use Spellcombat AND move, as Spellcombat is a full-round action.

If you move AND cast the spell you can still delive the spell with a sword attack as part of the casting (Spellstrike), but you only get one attack.

As a 12th lvl magus you have BAB +9/+4. When you use Spellcombat and Spellstrike (and do not move) you get three attacks at +7/+7/+2 (additional modifiers may apply from enchancement bonuses, Str, etc.)

[HaraldKlak]

llamaegg wrote:

So for example, let's say I use Spell Combat to cast Shocking Grasp (as it seems to be a popular choice), this grants me a free attack with my sword. So now if I move in I get two attacks, can I use Power Attack with my Spellstrike to gain an additional +3 on my damage?

You can use power attack with spellstrike. As a lvl 12 magus (BAB 9), you get - 3 to hit and +6 damage (or +9 for a two-handed weapon). The damage is added to the weapons damage of the spellstrike.

[WerePox47]

You should consider taking the kensai as well.. It meshs with the bladebound nicely.. Ive played one to 11th and he was a blast before he was murdered lol

[llamaegg]

Asharii wrote:

If you deliver the spell with your sword, it is no longer a touch attack and you can therefore also apply Power Attack if you so choose.

However, you cannot use Spellcombat AND move, as Spellcombat is a full-round action.

If you move AND cast the spell you can still delive the spell with a sword attack as part of the casting (Spellstrike), but you only get one attack.

As a 12th lvl magus you have BAB +9/+4. When you use Spellcombat and Spellstrike (and do not move) you get three attacks at +7/+7/+2 (additional modifiers may apply from enchancement bonuses, Str, etc.)

Awesome, just what I needed.

So to make things a bit more complicated, let's go with this. I'm using a Scimitar +3 and have a STR mod of 6/INT mod of 5.

First round I take my turn to cast haste and move in. Next round I use a swift action to give myself Arcane Accuracy, use Spellcombat to cast Intensified Shocking Grasp, 5 foot into range and have 4 attacks at a +22/+22/+22/+17? And I could use Power Attack on those attacks?

WerePox47 wrote:

You should consider taking the kensai as well..

I thought about it, but decided against it. It removes my ability to wear heavy armor and gimps spell casting more then I would like.

[Asharii]

llamaegg wrote:

....

First round I take my turn to cast haste and move in. Next round I use a swift action to give myself Arcane Accuracy, use Spellcombat to cast Intensified Shocking Grasp, 5 foot into range and have 4 attacks at a +22/+22/+22/+17? And I could use Power Attack on those attacks?

Absolutely. You would take -3 on attack and get +6 to damage. Shocking grasp would only dscharge on the first hit, bu until then you would get an additional +3 on attack rolls against foes with metal armor or weapons.

[Ibrahm]

what's a good spell to spellstrike the magus with at higher levels? intensified empowered maximized shocking grasp with spell perfection? Or is that a waste of resources?

Edit: Slap on the wayang spellhunter and magical lineage traits, and you've got all that at second level. Is that worth the feat investment?

[llamaegg]

Great! My buddy keeps bugging me about not taking a simpler class to learn, but I figure why learn 1 mechanic when I can instead learn 5?

Currently I'm looking at this for my build up to current level;

Bladebound Magus (LVL 12)/Human:

Stats;

STR: 22/6
DEX: 16/3
CON: 17/3
INT: 20/5
WIS: 14/2
CHA: 14/2

Feats;

Level 1 : Toughness (+3HP + 1/Lvl over 3)
Level 1 (Racial) : Extra Arcana < Arcane Accuracy
Level 3 : Spell Penetration (+2 bonus to overcome Spell Resistance)
Level 5 : Weapon Focus - Scimitar (+1 ATK BONUS)
Level 5 (Bonus) : Intensified Spell (Increases damage by a maximum of 5 dice, increases spell level by 1)
Level 7 : Power Attack (-3 ATK Bonus/+6 DMG)
Level 9 : Dunno yet
Level 11 : Improved Critical - Scimitar (Double Threat Range, 15-20/x2)
Level 11 (Bonus) : Extra Arcana < Spell Blending

Arcana;

Level 3 : Black Blade +3
Level 6 : Spell Shield (-1 Arcane Point for Bonus AC equal to INT MOD)
Level 9 : Empowered Magic (All variable effects are increased by half/Once per day)
Level 12 : Maximized Magic (All variable numberic effects are maxed/Once per day)

Spell Blending : Heroism (+2 ATK BONUS, Saves and Skill Checks
: Not sure

Another question, does any bonus to weapon damage also apply to spell damage of the Spellstrike? Say I took up Weapon Specialization for the +2 DMG, would this also give the Shocking Grasp +2? Same with Power Attack I guess.

[HaraldKlak]

llamaegg wrote:

Another question, does any bonus to weapon damage also apply to spell damage of the Spellstrike? Say I took up Weapon Specialization for the +2 DMG, would this also give the Shocking Grasp +2? Same with Power Attack I guess.

First of all, you cannot take Extra Arcana at lvl 1, since you don't have the Magus Arcana class feature yet. However, switching it around with spell penetration shouldn't be a problem.

In answer of your question: No, it doesn't apply to the spell damage of the Spellstrike. The feats do apply to the weapon damage you deal when making a spellstrike.