How does Arcane Mark work for combat?

[sjsobota]

I am building a Magus character and had seen several references to how Arcane mark can be used in combat. I am not sure how this works, as there is nothing in the spell description about combat applications.

Would appreciate any insight.

Thanks

Jim

[Dragonchess Player]

1) It's a touch-range spell.

2) By using Spell Combat, the magus can cast arcane mark and use the free attack from Spellstrike to make an extra weapon attack to deliver the arcane mark.

3) As a cantrip, the magus can cast it every round.

[sjsobota]

Dragonchess Player wrote:

1) It's a touch-range spell.

2) By using Spell Combat, the magus can cast arcane mark and use the free attack from Spellstrike to make an extra weapon attack to deliver the arcane mark.

3) As a cantrip, the magus can cast it every round.

Thanks for the feedback, but I am still unsure of the effect that the arcane mark has on the target. According to the spell, it places a mark on the object/creature but not sure what else or how that affects the combat.

Thanks for any clarification.

[Reshar]

sjsobota wrote:

Dragonchess Player wrote:

1) It's a touch-range spell.

2) By using Spell Combat, the magus can cast arcane mark and use the free attack from Spellstrike to make an extra weapon attack to deliver the arcane mark.

3) As a cantrip, the magus can cast it every round.

Thanks for the feedback, but I am still unsure of the effect that the arcane mark has on the target. According to the spell, it places a mark on the object/creature but not sure what else or how that affects the combat.

Thanks for any clarification.

Arcane Mark just leave a fancy magical tatoo of your design upon your target. It has combat applications since, thanks to Spell Combat and Spellstrike, the magus can obtain a free attack every round while using the Full-attack action.

And of course, everything that Dragonchess Player explained before.

[Orfamay Quest]

Think Zorro.

Now all the dead orc bodies you leave behind will be marked with your fancy arcane Z.

In a realistic game, this might be a very effective way to develop a reputation as Zandalf, the fearsome sword-wielding magus. Or it might simply tick off the local orc tribe and they now know who they're looking for.

In a less realistic game, it's an easy way to get multiple attacks like a monk's flurry of blows.

[Artanthos]

The Arcane Mark has no affect beyond leaving your signature on everything you kill.

The fact that you are delivering that mark with your weapon does have an impact. Literally, depending on weapon choice.

If you want to avoid leaving your signature, I would suggest the Light cantrip. It is also a touch spell.