SoM Runelord Archetype

[Bmj]

Is it me or does this archetype serve to handicap the player? You trade out 2 entire schools of magic for easy access to 3 focus points and a 3 point recharge. I can't see the polearm being used since we're still using wizard proficiency, and that leaves access to an admittedly good counter spell (even if it is for your chosen school only) and the ability to embed aeon stones - which are expensive and very situational.

Thoughts?

[Guntermench]

Flavourful class is mostly flavour, more news at 11.

I don't think Expert is that bad most of the time, sticking to one attack a round at least, so the polearm should be fine. Focus spells and focus points are great.

[Blave]

Don't have SoM yet, but from the Infos I gathered...

You also get an extra slot of your specialist school 2 levels below your maximum level.

The usefulness of the polearm proficiency depends on the build. I personally intent to make good use of it.

Extra Focus spells and easier access to more points is great! If you don't like what you're given you can always multiclass to something like arcane witch and grab a few hexes. Having decent focus spells makes using spell blending more convenient since you never really run out of things to do even if you sacrifice many if your lower level slots.

The loss of two schools does hurt, mind you. Even more than back in PF1 because Paizo has done a great job of making all schools desirable in their own right.

But if you find a sin that gives up two schools you can live without, Runelord is a straight upgrade over a normal wizard.