Kensei Question

[I'm Hiding In Your Closet]

I've had my eye for a while on Ultimate Combat's Kensei Magus-variant. I like it better than the base Magus. One character I wanted to make for Pathfinder Society was an Elf Kensei who specialized in the elven curve blade - but what I need to ask, then, is how well does any Magus do who prefers two-handed weapons?

[Nezthalak]

need a free hand for spell casting. I have never liked the idea of taking one hand off the weapon, casting the spell, then putting the hand back on. In theory it would burn the move action, but I guess with quick draw you can cheese it out.

[CyderGnome]

I'm Hiding In Your Closet wrote:

I've had my eye for a while on Ultimate Combat's Kensei Magus-variant. I like it better than the base Magus. One character I wanted to make for Pathfinder Society was an Elf Kensei who specialized in the elven curve blade - but what I need to ask, then, is how well does any Magus do who prefers two-handed weapons?

If you use a 2 handed weapon as a Magus you effectively give up your Spell Combat ability... which is a pretty big deal.

[TheSideKick]

well yes and no...

you can still cast a spell, move then free action attack using a 2 handed weapon. i mean if you're maxing out your shocking grasp thats a one hit KO at levels 1-5. so dont think you "cant" do it, but your potential damage will be lower as a result.

basically with a kensai at level 9th you could be hitting for 10d6+2d6 (great sword)+ magical enchants(holy and bane are great ones)+ vital strike chain + strength*1.5 + power attack. i mean thats one massive swat upside the head.

if you really wanted to you could get 10d6 with **Spell Specialization**feat at level 7. add free maxamize or empower from magus class features and you have a near instant kill on anything you hit at those levels.

use this as a starting point for your character:

trait Magical Lineage -1 spell level when applying metamagic to shocking grasp
trait Gifted Adept +1CL shocking grasp
feats:
human power attack (remember that shocking grasp gives +3 vs metal armor)
1 Spell Specialization (shocking grasp)
3
5 Intensified Spell

so yes you can have a two handed weapon and still be good as a magus. but once you hit higher levels... like 12+ you will notice that your awesomeness will fade.

edit: ment to say Spell Specialization not perferred spell.

[LazarX]

I'm Hiding In Your Closet wrote:

I've had my eye for a while on Ultimate Combat's Kensei Magus-variant. I like it better than the base Magus. One character I wanted to make for Pathfinder Society was an Elf Kensei who specialized in the elven curve blade - but what I need to ask, then, is how well does any Magus do who prefers two-handed weapons?

That's a question you answer by your style. As it is though, that choice of a weapon means you give up Spell Combat. You still have options for spellcasting but you're essentially denied the Magus' particular style of TWF.

That doesn't mean you can't make it work, you're however giving up a primary tool of the class for the option of two handing a weapon.