Magus Kensei Archtype

[Veldrin Shadowbane]

Wondering if this would be balanced or over the top. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Acrobatics replaces UMD as a class skill.

Gains flurry of blows as a monk of the same level, Magus level as BaB when flurrying. The flurry can only be used with the kensei's chosen weapon. Can use spellstrike/spell combat with flurry. Still only at a total of -2 to hit.

Gains 2 Arcane Points per level starting at level 2. (In addition to the arcane pool being equal to 1/2 magus level, or 1/3 if bladebound)

Gains the Magus Arcana Pool Strike at level 1 as a bonus feat.

At 7th level the kensei has trained his mastery of arcanas to surpass his peers. He now counts his Magus level +3 for purposes of qualifying for arcanas. (I.E. at level 6 he can choose an arcana that is required magus level 9 and so on.) This replaces fighter training.

Loses all spellcasting.

This is an archetype that forgoes all spellcasting to focus on his inborn arcane abilities and focuses more on perfecting melee combat while using arcane points to enhance his abilities.

I want to pitch this idea to my DM, however I want to make sure, if he allows it, that I don't shortchange myself or go over the top. I'm not really sure what a balanced number of arcane points would be so that I can't just spam abilities, but I also don't want to be starved of points every time.

I feel like losing spellcasting is HUGE, hence all the additions with only the loss of spellcasting and fighter training.

Anyway, any criticisms/suggestions are appreciated!

[LoneKnave]

This works better as a Monk archetype that can pick up Magus arcanas and his pool/AC bonus is INT based, not Wis.

[Artanthos]

LoneKnave wrote:

This works better as a Monk archetype that can pick up Magus arcanas and his pool/AC bonus is INT based, not Wis.

I agree.

This is more a kensai flavored monk than a magus.

[TGMaxMaxer]

Should be Monk Archetype:

Master of the Arcane Strike

A Master of the Arcane Strike is proficient in a single martial or exotic 1-Handed weapon in addition to normal proficiencies.

Intelligent Defense: A Master of the Arcane Strike's AC bonus is based on Intelligence instead of Wisdom. This otherwise functions as and replaces a monks normal AC Bonus.

Flurry of Blows: A Master of the Arcane Strike can use his flurry of blows class feature only with his chosen weapon or unarmed strikes.

Mystic Arcanum: At 1st level, a Master of the Arcane Strike gains a number of arcane points equal to his level, plus his Intelligence modifier(minimum 1). This pool can be used to power Magus Arcana, or spent on traditional Ki powers. This ability replaces Ki Pool. (more points to make up for no spells)

Arcana Access: A Master of the Arcane Strike gains the Pool Strike Arcana. This replaces the monks Bonus Feat gained at 1st level. In addition, he can select a Magus Arcana in place of his normal bonus feats. He cannot select any Arcana that requires actual spellcasting, as he has no caster level. This alters the normal bonus feat selection.

A Master of the Arcane Strike loses the benefit of all class features if he ever gains levels in a spellcasting class. He may gain racial/class features that grant spell like abilities that mimic spells, but may never cast prepared or spontaneous spells arcane or divine.

[gamer-printer]

There exists a magus kensei for the Kaidan setting of Japanese horror (PFRPG) by Rite Publishing, and will be available when the setting guides are released. However, for the time being, Kaidan has a racial class for tengu, called tengu-kensei that is published. It might give you some ideas.

As an aside, kensei is the correct spelling in Japanese meaning "sword saint". Kensai is not the correct term or spelling for the concept - and was a mistake made previous to Pathfinder, but somehow was grand-fathered in... (trust me, I'm half Japanese.)

[Cap. Darling]

What you want is a melee figther that charges his attacks with energy? I ask because i suggest taking a step back from the rules and deciding on a concept and a feel before even considering the rules.
I think the class you present in the OP is gonna feel very one dimensional and flat and around level 6 when he can attack touch AC he will alternatly feel worthless and overpowered.
And presentens as above he cannot take the bladebound AT since he is modifying the arcane pool. I note this since you suggest it in the OP.