Kensei Magus: Key Stat

[Cass_Ponderovian]

So I'm making a Kensei Magus and was wondering what people thought is a better stat to focus on: Strength or Dexterity?

If I give myself high strength the Int to AC bonus supplements my AC and I can use any weapon I choose (Like a reach weapon to focus on AoOs or a falcata to get the crit range up).

However if I have Dexterity as my main stat, I'll have a massive AC, Initiative, and reflex save.

What would you all do?

I should also say that this would be for a major boss of a campaign I'd be running so It'd probably be at lvl 20 (or higher depending on the party).

[Mortalis]

We have a Kensei Magus in our group who's dex based, and I can tell you he's not lacking for damage AT ALL.

Granted, he is stuck using a scimitar because of the Dervish Dance feat, but with magical supplementation, who needs reach? Plus with the ability to make touch spells with his sword he's hitting people for 1d6 + 4 + 5d6 electrical (thanks to shocking grasp). Besides that, he is nigh untouchable (especially with the ability to add +5 AC as an immediate action for 1 arcane point).

In short, go dex based.

[ZanThrax]

If you're willing to spend the feats on Finesse & Dervish Dance, then a Dex build is better. If you've got something else in mind for those feat slots, then build for Strength.

[Craig Frankum]

With feats like Weapon Focus & Specialization, and the greater of each, damage is fair with the STR boost. Also, magic items will supplement in later levels. No armor means early levels will suck without DEX to supplement AC.

[Kairos Dawnfury]

I played a STR based and loved it, used a Waraxe and wrecked face with instensified shocking grasp and the trait that made it still a level 1 spell.

If you don't have another Meatshield or easy access to healing, Dex based with dervish dancer won't get hit as much in melee and you can pretty much Dump STR.

[Artanthos]

Dervish Dance is the best path for a kensai.

Consider bladebound as well. Why not give the character focused on a single weapon a singular weapon.