So I want to make a Cavalier/Magus build and I just wanted to get some thoughts on how to make it work. Not necessarily trying to min/max, but I think that Spell Combat mixed with a lance charge could be pretty nasty...
1. I'm gonna be level 13. How many levels should I take with Magus and how many I should take with Cavalier in order to really get the most from charge bonuses/spell combat/etc.? I want to be able to cast in Medium Armor.
2. EDIT: Don't worry about stats: We're doing something else.
3. What feats would be best to take?
4. What race should I be? (all Races available)
5. Any other thoughts on traits, feats, order, or which spells to choose, etc.?
Thanks!
You can't do spell combat with a lance. A lance is a two-handed weapon, even if, when you are mounted, you can use it with one hand. Only if there were a rule that allowed you to use it as a one-handed weapon would you be able to use spell combat with it. Unless your GM makes a house rule, no such rule exists.
Mounted combat can still work with a Magus, if you take Mounted Skirmisher to allow full attacks on a charge or otherwise allow movement. Would be most useful with a small character, letting you take your mount into a dungeon. Probably not worth taking levels of cavalier.
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Yup agreed with Paladin there. Spell Combat states "To use this ability, the magus must have one hand free (even if the spell being cast does not have somatic components), while wielding a light or one-handed weapon in the other hand."
Lance is definitely not and never will be a one handed weapon unless you are a large character wielding a medium lance or a medium character wielding a small lance, but then you get all the penalties associated with wielding inappropriately sized weapons.
So I just asked my GM, and he ruled that the lance is a one-handed weapon only when on a mount, and would qualify for spellstrike, but only when mounted. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!
That did raise some other questions for me, though. What would my actions be when charging? Can I use Spell Combat in a charge? Would I have to cast a spell the round before I charge? What other actions would be available to me any given round that I charge (besides drawing a weapon, of course)? What would any penalties be? I know you can steer a mount with your knees with a Ride check, so my hands would still be free...
Take 4 levels of Cavalier (I like Order of the Tome)and the Horse Master Feat, then go Magus with the rest of your levels. You'll be able to cast in Medium Armor, so that's nice.
Shocking Grasp is a classic spell for Magus, there's no reason not to take it. Precast before fights and hold the charge (there's a pun there). Use a buckler (Mithral is good) on your off hand so you can cast spells. After you close with the lance, make sure you have Quickdraw and pull your one-handed weapon and go to town. Mounted Skirmisher is really good though, since you'll be level 13.
Wayang are small creatures who don't have a negative to strength and have a bonus to intelligence. They might be good for a cavalier like this. It would also give you a reason to take the Wayang Spell Hunter Trait and then you could pick magical knack or magical lineage depending on which you like better. Both have their benefits, although Magical lineage can be used to great effect when combined with Spell Hunter.
2nd level Empowered Intensive Shocking Grasp? Yes please. If you want 10th level casting, Varisian Tattoo is good, but there are other options as well.