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Ranged Spellstrike (Su): At 4th level, a myrmidarch can use spellstrike to cast a single-target touch attack ranged spell and deliver it through a ranged weapon attack. Even if the spell can normally affect multiple targets, only a single missile, ray, or effect accompanies the attack.
At 11th level, a myrmidarch using a multiple-target spell with this ability may deliver one ray or line of effect with each attack when using a full-attack action, up to the maximum allowed by the spell (in the case of ray effects).Any effects not used in the round the spell is cast are lost. This ability replaces spell recall and improved
spell recall.
This ability as written has all kinds of problems.
The first part is fine. I get to fire an arrow with a single-target ranged touch attack spell.
How does the second part work? It needs some errata badly. That single sentence bolded makes this ability utterly useless. If all the effects of the spell are lost in the round it is cast, then there is no way you can ever fire more than once since you cannot use Ranged Spellstrike with Spell Combat to get multiple attacks.
This thing is basically not useable with Scorching Ray unless I can Quicken the Spell. So is Ranged Spellstrike only supposed to be useable with a Quickened Scorching Ray or Quickened Magus Arcana?
In essence you're giving up Spell Recall and Improved Spell Recall to be able to fire a ranged scorching ray with Quicken Spell? Is that how it is intended to work?
I've already created a thread long ago and also posted in the errata thread for the ultimate combat. No one seems to care.
It is a confusing read. I believe the intent is for you use a full attack action to cast the spell AND deliver charges via your ranged weapon up to your max attacks/round. I admit it could have been communicated better.
It is busted, and I too would like clarification on how this show works.
That said, Frostbite looks good for the 4th level ability... get 4 shots?!
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I play a Magus, although admittedly not a Myrmidarch, and I don't see where the confusion is. That second paragraph is an extension of Ranged Spellstrike. It simply allows you to use those multiple ray spells that the normal Magus can't.
The first example that comes to mind is Scorching Ray. At 11th level a Magus gets two attacks due to his base attack bonus, and when he casts Scorching Ray he gets three rays. This means that, when declaring Spell Combat, a Myrmidarch gets three weapon attacks. I see this ability going like this:
1) Declare Spell Combat as a full-round action.
2) Cast Scorching Ray, and declare you will use Ranged Spellstrike with it rather than a ranged touch attack.
3) Deliver your first ray via a ranged weapon attack (at -2).
4) Deliver your second ray via a ranged weapon attack (at -2).
5) Deliver your third ray via a ranged weapon attack (at -7).
Now, let's say you hit with the first two rays, and not with the third. Normally a Magus can "hold the charge" if he missed delivering a touch attack spell, but because there is no precedent for holding the charge on a ranged touch spell, the section you bolded had to be supplied. It simply means you lose any touch attacks you have remaining.
Or at least that's how I interpret it. Why do you think it is broken?
Spell combat can't be used with ranged weapons. It calls out light and one-handed melee weapons.
If we all FAQ the OP we might get some love one day... one day.
There's a lot broken with the second part of Ranged Spellstrike. It could use some clarification as to the intent. They are taking away two very powerful Magus abilities in Spell Combat and Improved Spell Combat. I would hope Ranged Spellstrike is worth it. As it is written right now, it isn't.
I'm sure that the ability is meant to be useful. To that end I would houserule the ability to be a full attack action to cast his spell and use his weapon attacks to deliver the charges via his bow for the duration of the round.
Or allow Spell Combat.
Regardless, the text could use some clarification.
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I does also say, "when using a full-attack action". With the recent FAQ clarifying that Spell Combat is its own type of full-round action, and not a full-attack action, at least the duration of Ranged Spellstrike would have to be extended. Even a 1 round extension would work, and eliminate the need for a "Ranged Spell Combat" ability.