Pathfinder 2e: Magus

The Magus is the first class in Pathfinder 2e that allows players to use both spell caster and martial skills and abilities.

Pathfinder 2e is a traditional tabletop roleplaying game in which players can assume the role of fictional characters in an interactive story. The game focuses on storytelling, and therefore, the Game Master takes on the role of the storyteller.

It is the storyteller’s responsibility to control the game’s story and its inhabitants. The other party members can create and customise a character before starting their adventure.

It is crucial to keep in mind that there are various factors that influence your character. These factors include but are not limited to class, ancestry, feats, and heritage. One of the classes that your character can be in the game is Magus.

How is Pathfinder 2e different from 1e?

Pathfinder 2e allegedly combines aspects of the first edition, with the fourth and fifth editions of the well-renowned game, Dungeons and Dragons. Many of the classes, game terms, and generals in the first and second editions of Pathfinder are the same.

However, the second edition has a much more modular feel than the first. This means that players have many choices about how they want to shape their character as they level up. Moreover, it is quite easy to combine aspects of several classes.

The biggest change is the three-action system, which is a new way of codifying what characters can do on their turns.

Pathfinder 2e: Magus

The character classes in Pathfinder 2e were divided into 2 categories: martial and spell caster. Players could not create a hybrid character that features aspects of both categories. That was until the developers introduced the Magus class.

Pathfinder 2e: Magus
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The Magus is the first class that can use both categories’ features, as it is a full caster and all martial class. The class is trained in simple and martial weapons, but keep in mind that at level 5, they become experts. Moreover, they can become masters once they have reached level 13.

This means that the Magus class has the same proficiency progression as the other martial classes. If you choose this class, you can have the same strength or dexterity as the key class ability. This is a clear indicator that the Magus will not fall behind the other martial classes.

Moreover, the class unlocks weapon specialisation at level 7, whereas greater weapon specialisation can be accessed at level 15. This essentially means that you benefit from 6 additional damage points when your character reaches level 15.

In addition to this, the Magus class unlocks the Arcane Cascade at level 1. This stance diverts a portion of a spell’s magical power and keeps cycling through your character’s body and weapon using specialised forms.

While in the stance, your melee strikes deal extra damage, and it is extremely effective against monsters with weaknesses. This skill can cause the Magus to become a lethal monster hunter.

Thus, it is recommended that you use recall knowledge, as it allows you to attempt a skill check to try to remember some knowledge regarding a topic that is related to that skill. You should also bear in mind that you can use cantrips in addition to the previously mentioned skills.

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Magus the caster

Although Magus is considered a caster, the class has fewer spells per day than general spell casters. Unlike other spell casters, the Magus only has access to 2 levels of spells. For instance, when your character reaches level 5 spells, you gain level 3 spells, however, you lose all your first level spell slots.

In other words, players only have access to 2 levels of spells during the campaign. Furthermore, the Magus will always have the latest, greatest skills at the same level as the other casters, while the lower level spells will be locked.

Although this may seem like a negative aspect of the Magus, you can use it to your advantage.

Magus’ ancestries

Your choice of ancestry is generally an extremely important aspect, but for the Magus, it can often be a defining build decision. Because the class can be built around dexterity or strength, whichever of the 2 is easier to boost is one in a series of benefits, which can impact your build.

You can select the following ancestry for your Magus:

  • Dwarf
  • Elf
  • Gnome
  • Human
  • Kobold
  • Orc
  • Ratfolk
  • Tengu

Magus’ feats

Feats refer to special abilities that a character has acquired through training, luck, or as a quirk of his birth. There are various feats that you can use with the Magus, but it is advisable that you use the following:

  • Crafting
  • Nature
  • Occultism
  • Religion
  • Society
  • Stealth
  • Thievery
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