Adding Magus archetype to Two Handed mobile fighter

[Jim C]

Good Morning all,
I'm looking for some advice on this topic. I have built up a 5th level fighter with the idea at my next level up, instead of advancing my fighter to add the magus archetype to my character. The idea is to have the ability to enhance my character with enlarge, shield, etc.

Has anyone done something like this or would this not be a good idea?

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Jim

[MrCharisma]

(I'm assuming you mean take a level in the Magus class).
Sure, sounds good. What are you planning on getting out of this? Just enlarge spells? Do you want to be able to use Spell Combat/Spellstrike? If all you want is some buffing there are probably better classes out there for you. Most divine casters can cast in heavy armour, for example.

1. How many levels of Magus are you planning on taking?

2. What features of the Magus do you like?

3. What features of the Magus do you NOT like? (or like but don't think you'll be able to use on this character)

[Kurald Galain]

It's a good idea in principle. I assume your character has enough intelligence to pull it off?

What's your weapon and armor (and shield, if any)? Do you want to keep these or are you ok with switching?

[Jim C]

MrCharisma wrote:

(I'm assuming you mean take a level in the Magus class).

Sure, sounds good. What are you planning on getting out of this? Just enlarge spells? Do you want to be able to use Spell Combat/Spellstrike? If all you want is some buffing there are probably better classes out there for you. Most divine casters can cast in heavy armour, for example.

1. How many levels of Magus are you planning on taking?

2. What features of the Magus do you like?

3. What features of the Magus do you NOT like? (or like but don't think you'll be able to use on this character)

Hi! thanks for your response!

The idea was to just add combat spells to give me pluses to my attack, enhance my weapon, better my AC.

Does that make sense?

Thanks,

[Jim C]

Kurald Galain wrote:

It's a good idea in principle. I assume your character has enough intelligence to pull it off?

What's your weapon and armor (and shield, if any)? Do you want to keep these or are you ok with switching?

My int is only 13. Right now the weapons I'm using is a +1 spear and a falchion. +1 leather armor but planning on buy a masterwork agile breastplate.

Thanks.

[Kurald Galain]

Well, the Magus can entirely do that. A nice advantage is that you can cast a spell in the same round as making a full attack; however only with a one-handed weapon (like a shortspear). The Magus can cast in light armor but not in medium armor; and 13 int works well enough.

Here's a Magus guide. HTH!

[Jim C]

Kurald Galain wrote:

Well, the Magus can entirely do that. A nice advantage is that you can cast a spell in the same round as making a full attack; however only with a one-handed weapon (like a shortspear). The Magus can cast in light armor but not in medium armor; and 13 int works well enough.

Here's a Magus guide. HTH!

Thanks! Will take a look!

[Bladelock]

If you are only going to do a small dip into an arcane class (3lvls or less) I think you might be better served by going Wizard or Witch.

However if you are going Magus here is my advice:
Since you are using 2 hand weapons you will not be able to use spell combat as a Magus, but you will be able to use spellstrike. It also looks like your plan is to pre-buff before entering combat.

The first thing you should pick up is the Magic Lineage trait. That will increase you caster level by 2.

At first level the spells that you will get your biggest bang out of will be:
Shield
Long Arms
Blade Tudor Spirit (if you power attack, which you should)
Expeditious Retreat

At second level, when you get spellstrike, you will also see some value in attack spells that you can prebuff before combat.
Frostbite
Chill Touch

If you are only dipping into Magus for a couple levels, you should look at the archetype Armored Battlemage. It will allow you to cast in medium armor immediately. You will not be able to use your arcane pool to enhance your weapons, only your armor, but you can use Advanced Weapon Training to buff your weapon as a fighter.

[Jim C]

Bladelock wrote:

If you are only going to do a small dip into an arcane class (3lvls or less) I think you might be better served by going Wizard or Witch.

However if you are going Magus here is my advice:
Since you are using 2 hand weapons you will not be able to use spell combat as a Magus, but you will be able to use spellstrike. It also looks like your plan is to pre-buff before entering combat.

The first thing you should pick up is the Magic Lineage trait. That will increase you caster level by 2.

At first level the spells that you will get your biggest bang out of will be:
Shield
Long Arms
Blade Tudor Spirit (if you power attack, which you should)
Expeditious Retreat

At second level, when you get spellstrike, you will also see some value in attack spells that you can prebuff before combat.
Frostbite
Chill Touch

If you are only dipping into Magus for a couple levels, you should look at the archetype Armored Battlemage. It will allow you to cast in medium armor immediately. You will not be able to use your arcane pool to enhance your weapons, only your armor, but you can use Advanced Weapon Training to buff your weapon as a fighter.

Awesome! Thanks Bladelock!

[MCPooge]

Actually, I would suggest taking a look at Occultist instead of Magus, specifically the Transmutation implement school. It’s a bit complex of a class, but you can get some really solid buffs as well as a floating +2 enhancement bonus to a physical stat. Plus, psychic spellcasting is handy!