Deep Marshal (Magus Archetype)
The dwarves are known for their deep traditions that span the centuries, and these extend not just to the classic ones we know and love, but also into magic.
Certainly, many are probably familiar with how a lot of fiction links runic magic with dwarves thanks to their shared Norse origin, and there are certainly class options like the forgemaster archetype that delve into that, but today we will talk about a special class of arcane warrior, a tradition that hearkens back to the Quest for Sky event in the Golarion setting.
When Earthfall came, the very world shook the with impact that brought ruin to the surface world, and was felt deep beneath it too. This event and the urging of their chief god caused the dwarves to seek out the surface, giving their exodus the epic-sounding name it is known by today.
But like any exodus, such a journey is fraught with peril, especially due to the vulnerability of the non-combatants among them. So, King Taargick commissioned the formation of a group of warrior mages that specialize in creating, maintaining, and defending the tunnels used by their people during their travels, not only excavating them with magic, but making sure they did not collapse, and more importantly, preventing them from being used by the enemies of their people.
Nowadays, the deep marshals are rarely seen by outsiders, but their presence can be felt in every well-maintained dwarven structure and tunnel, and ever magical ward along such thoroughfares.
While originally a dwarven tradition, occasionally a trusted outsider will be allowed to train under such dwarven magi, or else replicated their techniques by studying dwarven spellbooks and arcane texts.
Unlike other magi, these marshals learn to work with medium armor very soon in their careers, and progress to heavier armor much more quickly.
Additionally, these mystic warriors have no interest in necromancy, enchantment, and illusion spells, to the point they do not study those schools at all, and have little experience with even using them in items. Instead, they focus on abjuration, having access to the full range of abjuration magic known to the wizard tradition up to the limits of what a magus can do, as well as several other wizardly spells focused on altering and excavating earth, enhancing travel, fabricating, conjuring, and repairing objects, and the like.
As a tradition with a deep history, these mages are trained exclusively to use their magical powers specifically with traditional dwarven weapons, whether it be enhancing them or blending their spells and strikes together.
However, the reward for doing so allows them to use any magic imbued into these weapons to enhance their own spellcasting, both in potency, but most dramatically in piercing spell resistance.
Interested in a magus with a strong defensive and control-based edge, with some utility spells as well? This archetype is definitely tempting. Remember that the abjuration school has a lot of defensive buffs, but also battlefield control, dispels, and other utility. Also, recall that this archetype also gains access to the guards and wards spell, which while situational, at high level play that spells is one of the best ways to make assaulting a stronghold (or set of important tunnels) that you guard a colossal pain in the ass for your foes. In general, I would recommend a build focused on defense, control, and utility.
With how much traditionalism is tied to this archetype’s lore, it’s not surprising that many characters will have tradition as one of their defining traits, either standing for it, or against it. Recall that some may seek this tradition through secondhand sources, and in doing so, may not have the traditions hammered into them. Such characters might be accosted or chided by more conventional Deep Marshals, regardless of whether the character flaunts the traditions, or seeks to be worthy of them.
Defensive guardian magi are not limited to the tunnels of the underground. Indeed, far and away from any dwarven settlements, Sky Marshals among the strix ward their aeries and mountain paths with wards to control how potential enemies can approach their homes.
Deep beneath Algor Heights, the dwarves keep a special eye on the paths beneath the mountain, where the cold runs from the peaks all the way down to the great chasm known as Winterseed. There, a deadly frozen forest is lit by unnatural light, and winter fey prey on mortals for their precious heat.
The Order of the Restless Dreamer keep a tight lid on what it is their massive fortress wall guards, though any architect will tell you that just as much of its structure is dedicated to defending against the inside as it is the outside. The truth is, the structure was built around the resting place of a massive kaiju, one they hope to prevent from waking again, and drive back down again if it does.
