Melee Mage?

[Fist2Jaw]

So I'm about to head into a homebrew game with the specific caveat that each of us has to be some sort of spellcasting class. Only Core and Base Classes, though I haven't gotten an errata on Archtypes yet. Immediately what I had in mind was some sort of half-orc who whips out his Falchion when things get too close.

Other limitations include only core races (Though I'm not certain about picking alternative racial traits, though let's say yes/no if you're willing to do that) and again, core and base only, so no ACG mages. I may or may not be able to work in a monk, though that itself is also dependent on what sort of archtypes I could get and/or if I can apply unchained to it (I have yet to get an answer).

Currently I have two ideas in my head, one that's good for the short term since we're starting at level one, and another that relies on my guy surviving long enough to utilize these new advantages: Melee Summoner or Dragon Disciple.

As far as Melee Summoner goes I'm purposely not considering Synthesis until I figure out if I can use Archtypes. Plus I was thinking more of a battle-buddy type Melee Summoner than "Embodiment of all that is painful". Half-orc is a must, though I'm hoping that there will be some flexibility with racial traits.

For Dragon Disciple I'll obviously start out as a Sorcerer of the Dragon Bloodline. Given that they could get claws as natural weapons I don't really need my falchion, though beyond that I don't really know how to make Sorcerers into a more viable melee mage. I haven't really looked into what sort of spells he ought to know (I'm feeling Transmutation spells, though Abjuration would help him live longer).

Those are just two thoughts that have occurred to me, if you guys have a different idea feel free to suggest it.

[Lamontius]

Magus

[Dafydd]

Magus

If Archetypes are allowed, Kensai. (Blackblade too if you like free intelligent weapons)

If archetypes are not allowed, Magus OR Bard (going into DD, the lose of 5 levels for sorcerer can be eaten mostly by the Robes of Arcane Heritage)

For Sorcerer->DD, you want to focus on buffing spells. Shield, Mage Armor, Haste, Cat's Grace, Bull's Strength, Bear's Endurance, Blur, Displacement etc.

Your to hit will always be lousy, due to sorcerer BaB, luckily 3 natural attacks means you have 3 shots without the increasing penalties (also 3 attacks before anyone else can get it, except a 2wf ranger)

[Fist2Jaw]

Magus I'm debating on skipping, if only because I know we already have two other magusi (Well, one, the other is dead). That being said, one I'd consider.

[Arachnofiend]

Instead of a Dragon Disciple, make a Draconic Bloodrager.

[kestral287]

Arachnofiend wrote:

Instead of a Dragon Disciple, make a Draconic Bloodrager.

's ACG, he can't use that.

Since Magus has been suggested, what about an Oracle?

[Cavall]

With the right mutagen and maybe shield extracts you could find a lot of happiness with the alchemist too. At later levels you can self buff with multiple extracts at once to really prep for battles faster.

I know it's no magus but it's a good candidate for buffing and getting in there to deal some strong damage. Plus you'll have a decent AC over the magus option sooner. One archtype gets sneak attack over bombs, so that's a good option for a melee focused character.

Just putting out there as another option.

[Matt2VK]

How about a bad touch cleric. There's a pretty good guide posted here somewhere for that.

[Braugher the Bold Strider]

Go Master of Many Styles Monk 2 / Empyreal Sorcerer X, bonus if you can play a race with claws and/or bite. (Preferably claws - Tiefling, Catfolk, Skinwalker, Changeling, etc.)

This character is a budding Tiefling with that build. Raised by orcs on the planes of Hell. He sharpened his teeth to be more like small tusks. (Illustrated by a low Charisma)

Strength > Wisdom > Constitution > Dex > Int=Cha

The Wisdom synergy will give you casting power, AC, and Will Saves. Monk of Many Styles will let you take Dragon Style and Dragon Ferocity for some brutal attacks on your unarmed strikes and natural attacks (with the Feral Combat Training feat). Also, you can stack unarmed strikes and natural attacks in for a quasi-full attack if you don't care about your hit modifier too much.

Once you get high enough level, you can transform with Shape/Physique spells into stuff with Claws to take advantage of Feral Combat Training / Weapon Focus.

It's not super overpowered, but I think it should be able to hold its own, plus it is a rarely played type of Sorcerer.

[Icyblaze13]

Do you have to get your spellcasting at first level? If not that opens up Paladin and Ranger as excellent choices for a melee caster.

[Samasboy1]

Since you aren't sure about archetypes, I will mention Scarred Witch Doctor Witch.

Highest score in Con, second highest in Str. Spells, Hexes, and a falcion for backup.

[Gisher]

If you already have a couple of Magus' then you might want to round out the spell lists a bit. The Magus list is lacking in utility spells, enchantments, summoning spells, and healing spells. The Bard list fills those gaps pretty well. And Inspire Courage will give all your party a nice combat boost to help make up for a shortage of full BAB classes.

For a melee build, I like the Arcane Duelist archetype. If you party lacks a trapfinder/scout/skill monkey the Archaeologist is a good choice.

[Cap. Darling]

If you already play a magus what about a reach oracle of the heavens( pehaps Dual cursed) with a longspear and a good str you can fish for AoOs and the magic will be used to crippeling effect of the fools that oppose you. Very different than a magus but with fates favored trait and divine favor in the first round of combat you will be very effective. Good thing is that it works from level 1 and just get better. If you go Dual cursed remember to also go spirit guide to get color spray back.

[RainyDayNinja]

Samasboy1 wrote:

Since you aren't sure about archetypes, I will mention Scarred Witch Doctor Witch.

Highest score in Con, second highest in Str. Spells, Hexes, and a falcion for backup.

To add to this, use the Strength patron to add divine favor/power to your spell list. And consider using an Orc double axe, since you can take advantage of flat damage bonuses like divine favor and Arcane Strike with TWF. Plus, Fate's Favored will boost divine favor and the Sacred Tattoo alt. racial trait for great saves.

The main weakness is the lack of defensive buffs, but the high Con and party of spellcasters should make up for that.

[Just a Guess]

Earth wizard (if the school is allowed, don't know which book its from). Gives a bonus to hit if both you and the target are standing on the ground.
After second Level go into a martial class. Or combine martial + wizard in a way that allows eldritch knight.

[Samasboy1]

RainyDayNinja wrote:

To add to this, use the Strength patron to add divine favor/power to your spell list.

Yes, I would go Strength or maybe Transformation patron.

[Cap. Darling]

Samasboy1 wrote:

RainyDayNinja wrote:

To add to this, use the Strength patron to add divine favor/power to your spell list.

Yes, I would go Strength or maybe Transformation patron.

Since RDNs post i have been crying over the hex Crafter magus not getting patron spells:)

[aceDiamond]

Since a lot of people are offering Dragon Disciple builds involving sorcerer, I'll just leave this archetype over here.

[Shakalaka]

2 levels of Paladin
3 Levels of Sorceror
4 Levels of Dragon Disciple
then Eldritch Knight

Get the feats that allow you to cast spells in armour.

[TorresGlitch]

Or be an inquisitor who can self-buff as a swift action. With the 'Fate's Favored' trait you'll have +2 aim & damage with all weapons, and it will scale as you level.
Str & Wisdom are main stats and you gain 'Bane', a domain and skills from the class.

Or be a Druid...
Or be a full-Constitution built Scarred Witch Doc with your first level feat being Diehard (since you're a half-Orc)