Staff Magus build thoughts?

[dkeller]

So I've decided on a Hexcrafter Staff Magus. Still pondering on the backstory. I have decided I want my character to start out with another class for a very short "dip" (1-2 levels). In a previous thread I got some great ideas from the group on possible dips based on character flavor.

The backstory (still fleshing out why he's a different class to start): My character's family is a long line of evil arcane caster types. He left that life because he's not an evil person. Since leaving he studys in one of the areas below before he finally decides that he could use his arcane power for good so he starts to embrace it while still utilizing the fighting prowess he gained from one of these initial class dips.

So here goes, let me know what you think about these:

1. 1 Level Bloodrager (orc or draconic, not sure which) dip

Gains: Fast Movement, Bloodline Powers (extra damage on shocking grasp spells and other die based spells), +1 to BAB, Bloodrage for a few rounds a day (though I can't spell cast while raging)

2. 1 Level Feral Hunter dip

Gains: Cool animal aspect ability, 2 level 1 druid spells (assuming 12 wisdom), new orisons, ability to use low level druid spell wands without magical device skill (is that right?), lots of skills for that level

3. 2 Levels in Maneuver Master/Weapon Adept Monk

Gains: Improved Trip, Dodge, Perfect Strike, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus, Good Will Saves, Flurry of Maneuvers

4. 2 Levels Brawler

Gains: Martial Flexibility 4 uses a day, One bonus combat feat, Brawler's Flurry

[avr]

1. Casting while bloodraging is just one feat away - Mad Magic IIRC. I think you've confused sorcerer bloodlines for bloodrager ones though, they're not the same.

2-4 All true.

Personally I'd limit myself to a one-level dip as delaying everything a couple of levels - spells, hexes, arcana - would hurt too much. The feral hunter seems to offer the most interesting abilities and doesn't impose a feat tax so I'd go with that.

[pH unbalanced]

I'm currently playing a Staff Magus who has a few levels in Flowing Monk -- I've found those classes synergize amazingly well (although you're MAD as hell). Remember that a quarterstaff is a monk weapon, and that you can use your arcane pool to improve Unarmed strikes.

What I went for was a support/tank who could nova when need be.

Bodyguard, Arcane Strike (plus Gloves of Arcane Striking) and then specializing in Reposition.

Loads of fun, but does *not* fill the role you would normally associate with a Magus.

I think the main thing you'll want to decide is what you want from your martial dip -- shoring up weaknesses, increasing your strengths, or broadening what you can do. Monk will help fill in weak spots and will give you more options, but will weaken your core Magus abilities.

[Imbicatus]

The best thing feral hunter gives you is shillelagh and if you take broad study you can spell combat with it.

[Cap. Darling]

I would stay Magus for a long time. If you get to level 13 pehaps consider a dip in monk. If you mist dip hunter you May as well get verminous hunter for the fast healing trick( but GMs may hate you). But hexes, spells, arcanas, free magic weapon and shield stuff from archtype all comes from magus and it is not worth Delaying for any if the dips. Unless you want to be Ravindorks Kang Makhai, then start out with 2 levels MoMS monk.

[BadBird]

As far as Hexcrafter goes, Hex Strike + Dragon Style is an easy grab with Monk or Brawler. One well placed level of Kata Master of Many Styles Monk can grab you a combat style - or even multiple styles - on the cheap, and also give you a panache pool that recharges off of monk weapons.

[kestral287]

Out of curiosity: why do you want to dip?

[dkeller]

I'm looking to dip mainly for the RPing flavor it brings. I of course want it to bring some benefit though.

My backstory is my character comes from a family of extreme arcane power, however they are generally evil. So he left his family in his early childhood and went in a different direction (that's what the starting out dip illustrates) before realizing he can use his powers for good.

So i'm trying to decide on an initial dip from an RP perspective as well as make it have some character benefits.

Great idea with the Panaches, very cool, never thought of that one!

[Cap. Darling]

dkeller wrote:

I'm looking to dip mainly for the RPing flavor it brings. I of course want it to bring some benefit though.

My backstory is my character comes from a family of extreme arcane power, however they are generally evil. So he left his family in his early childhood and went in a different direction (that's what the starting out dip illustrates) before realizing he can use his powers for good.

So i'm trying to decide on an initial dip from an RP perspective as well as make it have some character benefits.

Great idea with the Panaches, very cool, never thought of that one!

I dont think you should get too Hung up on the words in the class rubric of the character sheet. Dipping is a mechanic thing flavor is how you fit it in your character. You can just say that he was a warrior until he realized that his magic could be uden for good. It dosent become more flavor full by taking a level in some other class. IMOP.