Magus math

[TheBobJones]

Ok, so I have a 1st Level Elven Magus
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 10
AC 17
Feats/Traits that affect combat: Weapon Finesse/Sub Elven Weapon Proficiency for Trait Arcane Focus (+2 Concentration when casting Defensively.

So when my character is adjacent to an enemy and using Spell Combat:

1) Melee attack w short sword +4 to attack -2 Spell combat for a +2 to hit

2a) I can cast Defensively or take an AoO
My AC is 17 - not bad for a level 1
2b)or cast defensively for a 1st level spell DC is 15+ 2 (caster level x2)=17
My concentration bonus is +2 (elven trait) +1 caster level +4 int bonus = +7
2c) Now I can modify it by taking a -1 through -4 from my attack and adding that as circumstance bonus to concentration.
So my melee attack would be +1 0, -1, or -2 &
concentration check would be +8, +9, +10, or +11

So for my spell casting do I use 2a, 2b, or a value from 2c?

Thanks!

[Chess Pwn]

I don't know what you're asking here. If it's, did I calculate this right. Yes I think so.

[TheBobJones]

Thanks for that, what I am asking is which method of spell casting should I use?

1) Let my defense stand for itself and hope I don't get hit/make the concentration check after

2) Cast defensively for a +7 vs DC 17

3) Alter my Concentration check by a +1, +2, +3, or +4 while applying my concentration bonus as a negative to hit.

[Bob Bob Bob]

Version 1 and version 2 have the same downside, concentration check or losing the spell, though version 1 gives them a free attack. If you're fighting something around your level and not super beefy version 1 probably has a better chance of success (you need 10+ to succeed on concentration, they need 12+ to hit you). Also if they do less than 6 damage version 1 is an easier concentration check. Version 3 is best if you just care about the spell and the attack is extra.

That being said, at level 1 the best strategy is starting 5 feet away, casting, and 5-foot stepping up to attack without worrying about any AoO.

[TheBobJones]

Bob Bob Bob wrote:

That being said, at level 1 the best strategy is starting 5 feet away, casting, and 5-foot stepping up to attack without worrying about any AoO.

You are right about that!