Magus Spell Secrets: Unveiling the Exclusive Spells of Pathfinder’s Spellblade
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The question of “What spells do Magus only have in Pathfinder?” is a common one for aspiring spellblades. The truth is, the Magus doesn’t have a fully exclusive spell list in the same way as a Cleric or Druid. Instead, they cherry-pick spells from the Wizard’s spell list, making them Magus spells. This distinction is crucial: Magus spells are spells they can use with their core class feature, Spellstrike, which allows them to deliver spells through their weapons. While the Magus can learn and prepare a broad selection of Wizard spells, the spells usable with Spellstrike are somewhat restricted.
The spells a Magus considers their own are the specific wizard spells they’ve learned and that qualify for Spellstrike. This means a specific list of spells, such as Admonishing Ray, Horizon Thunder Sphere, Hydraulic Push, Shocking Grasp, Snowball, Acid Arrow, Scorching Ray, Disintegrate, and Polar Ray are most commonly seen and used by Magus. However, the Magus doesn’t have to limit themselves to just these spells. They can choose spells to put in their spellbook, they just need to be taken from the wizard spell list.
Understanding the Magus Spellbook
Learning Wizard Spells
A Magus’s access to magic is fascinating because it’s based on learning spells from the Wizard list and making them their own. At each new Magus level, a Magus gains two new magus spells from the Wizard’s spell list. These can be of any spell level or levels that they can cast (based on their new Magus level). At any time, a Magus can also add spells found in other spellbooks to their own. The key aspect here is that while they draw from the Wizard list, they are still considered “Magus spells” in their hands, usable with abilities like Spellstrike.
Furthermore, the Magus gains an additional number of 0-level, 1st-level, 2nd-level, 3rd-level, 4th-level, 5th-level, and 6th-level wizard spells, to put into their spellbook. They gain two of each level, not on the magus spell list, so at level one, the Magus will gain two of the 0-level, two of the 1st-level spells, and so on.
Preparing Spells
While the Magus can learn many spells, they must prepare them in advance each day. They prepare spells in spell slots and this process is similar to how a Wizard prepares spells. Magus prepare their spells in the morning by spending an hour studying their spellbook. They can prepare three cantrips and one 1st-level spell, plus one extra 1st-level spell if they have a high enough Intelligence modifier. This means a magus does not have the same amount of spell slots as a wizard or cleric, which further limits the use of spells not suitable for spellstrike.
Spellstrike Limitations
The primary limitation of a Magus is that not all spells are suitable for their Spellstrike ability. For a spell to be used with Spellstrike, it generally requires a spell attack roll. This requirement typically limits the common use of spells like Haste or Dispel Magic with Spellstrike, meaning these spells can not be delivered through the magus weapon. It is possible to use these types of spells as the Magus would have access to them, but the magus would lose the benefit of spellstrike when using them. The restriction to spells with attack rolls is what really defines a Magus’s effective spell repertoire.
The Core Spell List for Spellstrike
As previously stated, the initial list of spells most used with Spellstrike is usually limited to:
- Admonishing Ray: A ranged ray attack that deals force damage.
- Horizon Thunder Sphere: A ranged ball of thunder that deals sonic damage.
- Hydraulic Push: A ranged spell that deals bludgeoning damage and pushes the target.
- Shocking Grasp: A melee touch attack that deals electricity damage.
- Snowball: A ranged spell that deals cold damage.
- Acid Arrow: A ranged attack that deals acid damage over time.
- Scorching Ray: A ranged spell that shoots multiple rays of fire.
- Disintegrate: A powerful ranged spell that deals massive damage and can turn creatures to dust.
- Polar Ray: A powerful ranged spell that deals cold damage and is effective against incorporeal creatures.
While this initial list might seem small, it provides a solid foundation for a Magus build. The true depth of their spells comes from smart selection from the Wizard’s spell list and a willingness to prepare the right spells for each encounter.
FAQs about Magus Spells
1. Can a Magus learn spells from scrolls?
Yes, Magus can learn spells from scrolls if they are from the Wizard spell list. They do not need to be able to already cast a spell of the same level as the scroll. However, they do need to have the spell slot available to prepare and cast the spell.
2. How many spells does a Magus start with?
A Magus begins play with all 0-level Magus spells, plus three 1st-level Magus spells of their choice in their spellbook. They also select an additional number of 1st-level spells equal to their Intelligence modifier to add to their spellbook. They also gain two of each level of wizard spell at level one, for 0 to 6.
3. Can a Magus use any Wizard spell for Spellstrike?
No, only spells that require a spell attack roll are suitable for Spellstrike. Spells that are area effect, buffs, or require saving throws do not work with Spellstrike.
4. How does a Magus prepare spells?
A Magus prepares spells each day by studying their spellbook for an hour. They prepare a limited number of cantrips and 1st-level spells, as described earlier.
5. Can a Magus learn spells from other spellbooks?
Yes, a Magus can add spells found in other spellbooks (Wizard spellbooks) to their own spellbook. This allows them to expand their repertoire.
6. Is a Magus a full spellcaster?
No, the Magus is a partial caster, not a full caster. They do not have access to the highest-level spells like a Wizard and must balance spellcasting with their melee combat abilities.
7. Can a Magus cast 9th-level spells?
No, Magus cannot cast 9th-level spells. Their spellcasting progression does not reach that high level. The highest spell level the Magus can cast is level 6.
8. Can a Magus take Flexible Spellcaster?
Yes, Magus can take the Flexible Spellcaster feat as they prepare spells in spell slots.
9. Can a Magus wear armor?
Yes, a Magus can wear medium armor without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. However, wearing heavy armor or using a shield imposes a chance of arcane spell failure on spells with somatic components.
10. Can a Magus copy spells?
The Magus class doesn’t have a core feature to copy spells, but it can be used on spells. For example, the Planeswalker Lucea Kane has the ability, “When you next cast a spell with X in its mana cost or activate an ability with X in its activation cost this turn, copy that spell or ability.”
11. What is the best skill feat for a Magus?
Intensified Spell is considered one of the best skill feats for a Magus because it allows them to increase the damage of their lower level spells by using a higher level spell slot. This is particularly useful for spells like Shocking Grasp.
12. What is the best race for Magus?
Elf is often considered a strong choice for a Magus because of their bonuses to Dexterity and Intelligence. This is especially true for ranged Magus builds.
13. Can a Magus Spellstrike with cantrips?
Yes, a Magus can Spellstrike with cantrips that require spell attack rolls.
14. Does a Magus need a free hand?
Yes, to use Spellstrike, a Magus needs one hand free even if the spell being cast does not have somatic components. This is important because the other hand will be holding the melee weapon.
15. Is Magus a prepared spellcaster?
Yes, the Magus is a prepared spellcaster. They must prepare their spells in spell slots each day, similar to a Wizard.