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Class Feature Friday: Inexorable Iron Study (Pathfinder 2nd Edition Magus Hybrid Study)

(art by ImmortalRaze on DeviantArt)

 For some, there is nothing quite like the power and might of bringing down a large weapon on foes, particularly one charged with magical power.

It’s time for us to bring the 2E version of the magus to the blog, in the form of the new Hybrid Study mechanic!

Hybrid studies essentially inform the sort of combat style and weapon choice that the magus utilizes, as well as the cascade spell they get by default, which determines how they recover their spellstrike ability in the middle of combat, as well as a handful of other spells in their arsenal.

The Study of Inexorable Iron is all about offense, particularly with a two-handed weapon that the wielder brings the full force of down upon foes, alongside some magical enhancement of course. What’s more, they draw might from the very weapons their wield, helping them to remain standing even in dire circumstances.

For some, this study might be about the superiority of overwhelming force, but for others, it might be about control and discipline, learning how to fully master a heavy weapon and make it an extension of their body.

Either way, an inexorable iron magus can be a destructive juggernaut once they get going.

 When drawing power from the arcane cascade of a spellstrike, these magi gain a surge of vitality which lasts until the cascade has run its course, keeping them on their feet despite any injuries.

The Conflux spell of the study allows them to add vibrating force to a blow, impacting their target with sonic vibrations.

Magi also gain bonus spell slots and spells known from their studies, and while the spells they can use them for include some universal options, there are a few that are unique to the way of inexorable iron. In particular, they gain magic to increase their own mass and might, anchor flying foes to the ground, and prevent escape by teleportation. Both of those latter two help these magical warriors counteract foes that stay out of their reach.

Of course, there are feats geared towards this study. These include Devastating Spellstrike, which causes damaging spell energy to blast forth on impact, striking nearby foes; and Sustaining Steel, which lets you heal actual injuries while in arcane cascade.

Other feats that they might find useful include Familiar, Enhanced Familiar (For the extra set of hands since you’re wielding a two-handed weapon), Expansive Spellstrike, Attack of Opportunity, Cascade Countermeasure, Force Fang, Capture Magic, Runic Impression, Spell Swipe, Cascading Ray, Rapid Recharge, Overwhelming Spellstrike, Arcane Shroud, Hasted Assault, Resounding Cascade, Conflux Wellspring, Versatile Spellstrike, Supreme Spellstrike, and Whirlwind Spell. Of course, others may suit your build, depending.

The magic of inexorable iron specialize in hitting hard and hitting fast, so you’ll want some attack spells to add to the impact of your attacks with spellstrike, as well as various buffing spells. It’s general knowledge that as a magus you want to be alternating between spellstriking and arcane cascading before resetting your spellstrike, but that is especially true for those of this study since their default conflux spell is meant to be used in melee, meaning you never have to stop swinging. However, don’t think that means you can ignore tactics entirely. Definitely consider grabbing battlefield control and area effect spells too, especially once you get Expansive Spellstrike.

 I can see this style having a lot of appeal for an aspiring magus that relishes the flashier side of magic, and also likes getting up close and personal. Alternatively, it is also a study for those with great discipline, and I can see it coming up anywhere where fighting styles that involve a single weapon wielded with two hands arise.

  Many wonder at the secrets of the famed monster hunter Jakkili, who always seems to be able to capture and defeat beasts with surprising skill. If the party tails him, they discover he is an anadi, using his own webs and magic to entrap his prey and finish them off with powerful enhanced blows. What they choose to do with his secret is up to them, but it is clear the party could learn a thing or two about preparation and planning from him.

 Most thought him suicidal when the stranger came to deal with a bore worm infestation with a greatsword, but then he channeled mighty fire magic and obliterated a whole swarm with a single swing engulfed in a burning spray. Before he could be asked further, however, he took his payment and left. Exactly who was this stranger?

 There do exist schools of magi here and there, mostly as part of larger academies of magic, and the lead instructor in the art at Pologas’ College of Magic is Efria Stakesetter, a mountain of a woman with a massive greatsword with a gem containing a crackling storm build into the base of the blade. The exact story of how she got the blade changes with every telling, but there is no denying it’s power, or her skill with it.