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Like his cousin Anya* (no actual relation), Icaro is a typical fast-talking Varisian gypsy. He’s a little different from the average local as he’s half Elf. It must be that strange blood that drives him to learn as much as he can about all of these Thasolonian ruins that dot the land. Traveling with the caravan is a great way to fleece the unwary and see more of these great monuments.
Like most Varisians, Icaro has long, thick, black hair but his pale complexion and deep green eyes betray his Elven heritage. His quick reflexes and wiry build also belie a hidden strength. Desna is his God and he bears her holy symbol on a simple leather necklace. He has the outline of a Varisian 7-point star tattooed upon his chest.
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Icaro is my Shattered Star PC, the referenced Anya is another PC in the party. Please follow the link and take a look at the sheet and tell me what you think.
A quick overview - Icaro is a STR-based Magus who makes unique use of two alternate Half-elf abilities: Arcane Training and Dual Minded. My goal was to make a non-Dervish/DEX Magus via the core class and to succeed with it. In an effort to combat MAD, I focused solely on STR and INT.
What are your thoughts? Please bare in mind that the PC is set in stone, so any build alterations and/or changes in direction have to be made going forward from 2nd level
I'm a little confused... you're making a STR-based Magus AND a non-Dervish/DEX Magus?
edit - still can't figure out how to link to google docs... grr..
I'm a little confused... you're making a STR-based Magus AND a non-Dervish/DEX Magus?
Sorry if I was unclear, I'm sticking with STR for this PC.
edit - still can't figure out how to link to google docs... grr..
I'm a little confused... you're making a STR-based Magus AND a non-Dervish/DEX Magus?Sorry if I was unclear, I'm sticking with STR for this PC.
Ah. In that case, I would go with a rapier instead of a longsword. The higher crit range will benefit a STR based magus (plus remember, spellstrike does have the ability to crit as well) - and if you could eventually get your hands on a keen rapier, you'd be criting on 15-20 - which is fantastic.
Edit: I forgot a Magus can give their weapon the keen quality, which makes this even better.
Okay - figured the formatting out.
I knew a high-crit weapon would be important, but I pretty much hate the Rapier. I've just never been able to wrap my head around that kind of weapon as being anything a "real" adventurer would use. I know that's a limiting and biased viewpoint, but there you have it.
For 3rd level, I'm planning on taking Toughness (this guy has been the tank in the group*).
*/ that's kind of sad commentary...
You actually don't want a Rapier, because it can't be used two handed for extra Str damage (which you can do on any round you don't use Spell Combat or for AoOs and stuff). You actually probably still want a Scimitar--it's really the best Magus weapon regardless of whether or not you Dervish Dance.
Well, ok the best weapon is a Scimitar or Cutlass, Rhoka, Urumi, Katana, etc.--anything one handed with 18-20 crit.
As for the rest of the thread--I'm not really sure what you are looking for from us. Is there a specific decision you're having trouble with?
You actually don't want a Rapier, because it can't be used two handed for extra Str damage (which you can do on any round you don't use Spell Combat or for AoOs and stuff). You actually probably still want a Scimitar--it's really the best Magus weapon regardless of whether or not you Dervish Dance.
Well, ok the best weapon is a Scimitar or Cutlass, Rhoka, Urumi, Katana, etc.--anything one handed with 18-20 crit.
As for the rest of the thread--I'm not really sure what you are looking for from us. Is there a specific decision you're having trouble with?
I'm wanting to explore some options for the future, both in terms of Feats and Magus Arcana. I am traditionally a Fighter-type, so the addition of magic (even in this limited form) is a bit daunting.
Feats - thinking about Toughness or Improved Init for 3rd. Considering the Crit chain at higher levels. More Arcana Points might be nice (plan is to pump INT every 4 levels).
Arcana - no clue, whatsoever. Kind of thinking going for a Familiar, more for flavor than anything else.
Feats - thinking about Toughness or Improved Init for 3rd. Considering the Crit chain at higher levels. More Arcana Points might be nice (plan is to pump INT every 4 levels).
Arcana - no clue, whatsoever. Kind of thinking going for a Familiar, more for flavor than anything else.
Another option, depending on how permissive your DM is, would be to go with the Kensai archetype. Then your weapon of choice could be a Katana. Mmmm... Katana...
Another option, depending on how permissive your DM is, would be to go with the Kensai archetype. Then your weapon of choice could be a Katana. Mmmm... Katana...Feats - thinking about Toughness or Improved Init for 3rd. Considering the Crit chain at higher levels. More Arcana Points might be nice (plan is to pump INT every 4 levels).
Arcana - no clue, whatsoever. Kind of thinking going for a Familiar, more for flavor than anything else.
I considered Kensai, but decided to go with the base Magus instead.
I'm considering taking EWP: Aldori Dueling Sword at 3rd level. That will up my crit range, maintain my current damage die and my current weapon focus feat is transferable as well. I think it's a win all the way 'round.
Since we just leveled, I have some time to make a decision regarding my 3rd level Feat selection.
Here are the Feats that I'm considering.
Extra Arcana - take it at face value. Instead of one Arcana, I'd have two. More is better, right?
Extra Arcane Pool - I have 4 points right now and that won't increase until 4th level (perhaps earlier if I pony up for a *Headband of Vast Intelligence). So far I seem to have enough points but I think that will change starting around 4th or 5th levels.
Exotic Weapon Focus: Aldori Dueling Sword - I like this choice because it allows me to utilize my current focus feat (no retraining) and gives me a higher crit range. If I had to list a front-runner, this is the one.
Skill Focus: Bluff - my backstory setups Icaro as your typical fast-talking gypsy. Right now, the fluff does not adequately match the crunch. I'm rocking along with a +5 Bluff and at 3rd level, with this selection and the requisite skill point, it could be a +9. That's not too shabby considering Icaro only has a 10 CHA. Also, I do plan on putting a rank in Bluff every time I level.
Intimidating Prowess - Icaro, sadly I should point out, is turning into the Party Muscle. Everyone else is either DEX-based or a Diplomancer. If we're ever going to Intimidate anyone, it's going to be me doing it. This feat turns a +5 into a +10 (with additional skill point at 3rd).
So what are some thoughts on this? In the past I would have gone with EWP and not given it a second thought. I want this character to be less of a combat machine and more of a "real" person.
**bump**
Spent the afternoon working on the character sheet and contemplating my options. Extra Arcana is looking to be off the list. Extra Arcane Pool is in the last slot and it's kind of a tie between the EWP and either the skill focus Feat or Intimidating Prowess.