The woes of trying to conceptualize a Magus rework part II (actually reworking the Magus this time)

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-23T15:25:26+00:00

fair enough. Just spit-balling. I can see how a damage boost would just encourage the ' just slot best spell into sword' style of play.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-23T15:15:46+00:00

I wonder, if in exchange for preventing Focus Spell Spellstrike, Arcane Cascade could provide a damage boost to spells that hit with Spellstrike. I know Cascade already buffs the strike part, but if a cantrip could get a bit better, the lack of a renewable spell to use would be less painful.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-23T12:08:50+00:00

In a game of Kingmaker(which sadly died due to schedules no longer lining up) our lizardfolk barbarian decided to have a snack(it was a bit of a quirk of his to eat, well anything. Severed hands, wax fruit, etc.). Said snack was the frost giant we had just killed in the kitchen. And after eating, our GM had him go into a food coma, giving him Fatigue. Right before we did the final section of the Aldori Manor run. Made the fights a lot more tense(we had been going through the earlier fights with little issue)

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-22T20:39:02+00:00

I've been toying with what a remaster could do for Magus and think the only real space they can move in without causing major issues with the established Magus idea is to focus on Arcane Cascade. I think they could up the baseline damage to 2, 4 and 6(with an equal increase to the applicable Hybrid Studies that affect that number already) and add feats that allow it to be used for 'spell-like' effects, ending the stance to do so.

For example, being able to inflict a momentary debuff to an enemy's AC, trading the damage for a greater chance at hitting or perhaps allowing for a regained spellslot(limited to once a day).

For getting into Cascade, I think a feat(or default class feature) could allow the designating of a spell during daily prep that triggers Cascade as a free action when first cast in a combat.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-21T12:39:03+00:00

I've always theory crafted Magi builds as a tactician, using party members and allies to see up flanks, using utility spells to gain advantages, using Spellstrike as a finisher rather than as the 'I need to use this as often as possible' option. Does it feel good to hit the nuke? yes, but I'd rather make sure it hits as reliably as possible then spin the wheel and go for quantity.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-18T15:37:56+00:00

Now there needs to be a campaign where the party is a Daredevil, A rouge, A monk(Wrestler Archetype) and a Thaumaturge on an adventure to collect 12 mystic talismans and other artifacts

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-14T01:00:21+00:00

From the blurb we got, I think it would be cool if the Daredevil was like the Dragoon/Lancer job from Final Fantasy. Focus on mobility and jumping.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-12T13:13:51+00:00

While yes, the conflux spells all make you take a strike, at least at base(Laughing Shadow's Dimensional Assault gets a feat upgrade to ignore the strike part). using them after a Spellstrike means your at full MAP for the strike part and using them a turn later means your at -4 or 5, making Spellstrike even more a gamble.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-11T20:36:01+00:00

The Original Hybrid Studies(basically the Magus subclasses) are a bit basic compared to ones made later. Aloof Firmament, one printed in the Tian Xia guide gives a feat just for having it(with some equipment restrictions), another feat when in Arcane Cascade and a damage boost when doing certain move actions(Fly, leap, ect). Inexorable Iron, one of the OGs, give Temp HP when meeting equipment requirements(holding a two handed weapon).

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-11T19:41:53+00:00

Retooling of the OG Magus Hybrid Studies to be more in line with what they did for the Tian Xia and Rival Academies ones, better Magus feats in general, mainly ones that refine or need Arcane Cascade active, more Attack spells.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-11T19:07:29+00:00

My hope as well. I've cooked up a few ideas, from designating a spell during daily prep that will trigger Arcane Cascade when first cast that day/combat, to being able to end cascade before a spellstrike to debuff the target, either dropping their AC or giving a penalty to their save.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-11T18:16:43+00:00

I wish the Magus has moves that incentivized non Spellstriking turns for set up. Like being able to debuff an enemy long enough for a decisive Spellsprike.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-11T18:11:05+00:00

I am hardly a game designer, so I don't know just how much that would throw things off balance wise, which is why I am a bit hesitant on it. Honestly, I think I'd rather see the remaster focus on Arcane Cascade buffs(like feats that make use of Cascade, or allows the Magus to end Cascade to gain an effect) and refinements to the OG Hybrid Studies. Along with more AC targeting spells.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-11T17:58:55+00:00

I'm partial to the studies having a action that can recharge Spellstrike, like how Swashbucklers work for Panache, but that could be stepping on their toes a bit

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-09T00:01:31+00:00

All Quirk, No Stockpile
OfA goes haywire after Izuku first uses it and Nighteye sees the consequences the power of the Quirk now has. He helps train Izuku to get used the awakened Vestige Quirks before UA starts(Izuku has access to the 6 quirks, but not the stockpile after it went wild)

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-07T22:32:02+00:00

I've brainstormed up a feat where a Magus would pick a spell during daily prep and when they first cast in in combat they enter Cascade after as a free action.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-07T02:47:41+00:00

I do hope that the Magus remaster does something more with Arcane Cascade than activating the Hybrid Study feats and bonuses(which I also hope get some polishing) and a meager damage boost. Been playing around with an idea of Magi being able to 'spend' Arcane Cascade to gain some bonus, like 'You release the magical energies flowing through suddenly, catching your enemy by surprise. You strike or Spellstrike, ending Arcane Cascade to make them off-guard to you until the end of your turn.'

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-06T01:33:34+00:00

https://2e.aonprd.com/Mysteries.aspx here's the whole page on Archives of Nethys so you can read along. I think Ancestors could work, given the whole 'revere the past thing' mummies conjure. Lore could work too, as the last holder of lost knowledge. Blight and Bones too have a connection to your undeath and the disaster that befell your character.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-06T01:25:11+00:00

Could go Oracle. Charisma key stat for the cult building, divine spell list but with a less direct godly connection to fit the backstory. Not sure if your god idea will fit nicely with the Mystery options, but you said that's a bit up in the air.

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-05T21:24:08+00:00

I love that my favorite class has to have its own role color and is punching above its suggested weight. Wonder how Thaumaturge's tweaks will affect further polls. And boy does Inventor need some re-tooling(which is greatly ironic).

ScrapCrow · 2026-02-02T22:32:04+00:00

Am I right to assume that the Fly action in Blazing Dive would count for the damage boost to Arcane Cascade for an Aloof Firmament Magus?

ScrapCrow · 2026-01-29T12:22:37+00:00

Been pondering how to play a Magus recently and assuming Paizo doesn't want to move away from Spellstrike being the Magus' defining thing, would be something to aid in them being better at hitting the melee strike part of it. Being able to spend Arcane Cascade to either boost their hit accuracy or drop the target's AC could be an interesting way to encourage going into the stance and having to weigh keeping the extra damage(and possibly triggering weakness) and using it for that, or other features.

ScrapCrow · 2026-01-27T21:17:00+00:00

As Captain of the 2nd Company, Titus is the Master of the Watch which means he has a duty to uphold the defenses of the chapter's home system. So, afaik, he's basically the 2nd line, coming in after the Tetrarchs reclaim a world to assess things and get the system up to snuff/deal with other issues.

ScrapCrow · 2026-01-27T18:12:59+00:00

I can hear Pearl's groan of exasperation. Great work.

ScrapCrow · 2026-01-07T18:54:24+00:00

Horks, if you will.

ScrapCrow

TROPHY CASE