![[magusClass.webp|400]] ## What Is a Magus? The Magus is a warrior who combines martial skill with the power of magic, wielding weapons and spells as parts of a single fighting style. While Fighters devote themselves to mastering weapons and Wizards dedicate their lives to studying the arcane, Magi pursue a path that brings these two disciplines together. At first glance, a Magus might resemble an armoured spellcaster or a warrior who has learned a handful of magical tricks. In reality, their abilities are far more closely connected. For a Magus, swordsmanship and spellcasting are not separate talents but complementary skills developed through training, study, and experience. Some Magi are scholars who seek to understand the mysteries of magic. Others are celestial guardians, hunters of evil, secretive assassins, students of fate, or defenders of the natural world. Their abilities and motivations are influenced by the magical societies to which they belong. What unites them is their ability to weave magic directly into combat, enhancing their weapons, protecting themselves from danger, and exploiting weaknesses in their enemies' magical defences. A Magus is neither simply a warrior nor a spellcaster, but a master of the discipline that exists between them. --- ## The Path of Spell and Steel Becoming a Magus requires dedication to two demanding disciplines. A warrior must learn how to survive on the battlefield, while a spellcaster must understand how to manipulate magical forces. A Magus must develop both talents, possessing the physical skill to fight effectively and the intelligence required to understand and control magic. Their training emphasises the relationship between weapons and spellcasting. Rather than treating magic as a separate weapon to be used when conventional attacks fail, Magi learn to incorporate it into their ordinary fighting techniques. A Magus might wield a sword and shield, fight with a spear, or use a bow to engage enemies from a distance. Their chosen weapon does not define their magical abilities, and different Magi may approach combat in very different ways. Their connection to magic also extends beyond the battlefield. Magi study supernatural phenomena, develop their understanding of spells, and learn techniques that allow them to overcome challenges through both knowledge and physical ability. This combination makes them versatile adventurers, particularly when confronting dangers that cannot be overcome through weapons or magic alone. --- ## The Power of the Esoteric Eye One of the defining abilities of a Magus is the **Esoteric Eye**, a supernatural perception that allows them to recognise and exploit vulnerabilities in their enemies. Through this ability, a Magus can focus their attention upon a creature and make it more susceptible to their magic. Spells that might ordinarily be resisted become more difficult to withstand, while magical attacks can strike with greater accuracy. Unlike abilities that simply strengthen a spell, the Esoteric Eye affects how effectively the Magus's magic can overcome a particular opponent. By focusing upon an enemy, the Magus improves their chances of landing a spell attack or forcing that creature to succumb to a magical effect. This ability is particularly valuable against dangerous opponents whose strength, resilience, or supernatural defences might otherwise make them difficult to overcome. As a Magus grows more powerful, their supernatural perception develops further. Through the **All-Seeing Eye**, an experienced Magus can gain Truesight, allowing them to perceive invisible creatures, recognise illusions, and see through certain forms of magical deception. For a Magus, understanding an enemy can be just as important as possessing the power to defeat them. --- ## The Power of the Mystic Mark Another defining ability of the Magus is the **Mystic Mark**, a magical technique that allows them to transform prepared spells into enhancements for their offensive and defensive capabilities. By committing magical energy to a Mystic Mark, a Magus can empower themselves with one of two effects known as Aegis and Enspell. **Aegis** provides magical protection. By drawing upon the energy associated with a prepared spell, a Magus can gain resistance to a corresponding form of damage. This allows them to prepare against particular threats or adapt their defences when confronted by dangerous magical forces. **Enspell** enhances offensive capabilities. Instead of increasing the force of a weapon attack, it allows a Magus to change the damage inflicted by a weapon or unarmed strike into a magical damage type associated with their chosen spell, or force damage. These abilities allow Magi to adjust their fighting techniques according to the enemies they face. A creature resistant to ordinary weapon damage might be vulnerable to another form of attack, while a powerful elemental opponent might require specialised protection. The Mystic Mark also serves another purpose. A Magus can release the magical energy held within the mark to cast the spell associated with it, sacrificing the mark's benefit in exchange for the spell's immediate effect. An experienced Magus eventually develops the **Rite of Return**, allowing them to recover the magical energy committed to a Mystic Mark when it ends without the stored spell being released. Through further mastery, the **Sigil Surge** ability strengthens these techniques, improving the protection provided by Aegis and the damage inflicted through Enspell. The Mystic Mark represents one of the clearest expressions of the Magus's philosophy: magic should strengthen every aspect of combat rather than exist separately from it. --- ## Sword and Sorcery The greatest strength of a Magus lies in their ability to combine weapon attacks with spellcasting. This discipline is represented by **Sword and Sorcery**, a technique that allows a Magus to incorporate martial attacks and magical abilities into the same turn. Beginning at fifth level, a Magus can combine a weapon attack with the casting of a Magus cantrip as part of the Attack action. Alternatively, after using their action to cast a spell of first level or higher, they can follow it with a weapon attack using their Bonus Action. This distinguishes the Magus from warriors who simply learn a few spells to supplement their existing abilities. Rather than relying upon the conventional Extra Attack feature, the Magus develops a fighting style in which spells and weapons work together. An enemy facing a Magus must contend with both forms of attack. A warrior defending against a sword might suddenly be struck by arcane power, while an opponent anticipating a spell could find themselves threatened by a weapon. This flexibility becomes especially valuable when fighting creatures with different strengths and weaknesses. A Magus can use magical attacks against enemies resistant to conventional weapons or rely upon their martial training when conserving magical resources becomes necessary. Although the ability is called Sword and Sorcery, a Magus is not required to use a sword. Their martial training extends to a variety of weapons, allowing different combat styles to benefit from the same magical techniques. --- ## Magical Knowledge and Recovery Although Magi are capable warriors, their understanding of magic remains central to their abilities. Unlike spellcasters who rely upon faith, instinct, or an inherited magical gift, Magi use Intelligence to understand and control their spells. Their magical abilities are developed through study, discipline, and the knowledge associated with their chosen Eldritch Society. Magi can cast both cantrips and more powerful spells, allowing them to employ magic throughout an encounter rather than depending entirely upon limited reserves of magical energy. Their spellcasting progression resembles that of other adventurers who combine weapons and magic, such as Paladins and Rangers. However, the Magus places particular emphasis on spellcasting, developing abilities that allow spells to form a consistent part of their fighting style. Through **Arcane Ability**, Magi can draw upon their magical power to improve a failed ability check, using magical knowledge to overcome challenges beyond ordinary combat. At sixth level, they gain **Magical Recovery**, allowing them to regain a limited amount of expended spellcasting energy during a Short Rest. This makes them better equipped to continue adventuring after encounters that have consumed their magical resources. At higher levels, Magi gain access to increasingly powerful magical techniques. Through **Sorcerous Shielding**, they become more resistant to certain magical damage and gain additional protection against hostile spells. Eventually, through **Spell Surge**, a Magus can briefly reach beyond their ordinary spellcasting limits to cast a sixth-level Magus spell. This represents a significant achievement for a warrior whose magical training develops alongside their martial abilities. At the height of their power, a Magus becomes an **Archmagus**, attaining greater mastery of their magical and physical abilities while improving their capacity to recover expended magic. --- ## Strength and Resilience Magi are trained warriors, but their durability differs from that of more physically focused classes. They can use a wide range of weapons and possess training with light armour, medium armour, and shields. This allows them to participate in direct combat without relying exclusively upon magical protection. However, Magi do not possess the same natural endurance as Barbarians or the heavily armoured resilience commonly associated with Fighters and Paladins. Their survival often depends upon combining conventional defences with magic. A Magus might use protective spells, rely upon the resistance provided by an Aegis, or employ supernatural abilities to avoid particularly dangerous attacks. Their choice of Fighting Style also influences their approach to combat. Some emphasise weapon techniques, while others develop the **Mystic Warrior** fighting style to improve their ability to maintain concentration upon spells. As they grow stronger, Magi become increasingly capable of resisting magical threats, although they must still consider their positioning and the dangers of prolonged close combat. A Magus is most effective when using their available abilities intelligently rather than attempting to endure every attack through physical toughness alone. --- ## The Magus's Place in an Adventuring Party In an adventuring party, the Magus is a versatile combatant capable of adapting to several different roles. When enemies close in, a Magus can engage them with weapons while supporting their attacks through magic. When direct combat becomes dangerous, they may instead rely upon defensive spells, magical resistance, or battlefield control to change the course of a fight. Their Esoteric Eye allows them to exploit enemies that might otherwise resist their spells, while Mystic Mark provides adaptable offensive and defensive options. Some Magi specialise in fighting near the front line, using magical protection to withstand dangerous encounters. Others favour mobility, ranged attacks, deception, or supporting their companions through healing and protective magic. Their magical knowledge can also prove valuable outside combat. A Magus may recognise magical threats, investigate supernatural phenomena, or use spells to overcome obstacles that cannot be solved through ordinary physical abilities. The exact role of a Magus depends heavily upon their chosen Eldritch Society. Some develop stronger spellcasting, while others gain abilities associated with healing, necromancy, stealth, divination, or nature magic. Their greatest contribution to a party is versatility. Although they may not equal a dedicated martial warrior in sustained weapon combat or a Wizard in the breadth of their spellcasting, their ability to combine both disciplines makes them valuable in many different situations. --- ## Eldritch Societies As a Magus grows in power, they become associated with a specialised magical tradition known as an **Eldritch Society**. Each society approaches the combination of martial combat and magic differently, shaping the abilities, responsibilities, and philosophy of its members. A Magus chooses their Eldritch Society at third level, gaining specialised abilities that develop as they become more experienced. ### Arcane Order The Arcane Order is dedicated to understanding and cataloguing the magical wonders of the multiverse. Its members seek out magical phenomena, forgotten knowledge, and powerful artefacts, studying the forces that shape existence. Although some pursue magical knowledge to obtain greater personal power, others are motivated primarily by intellectual curiosity and a desire to understand the mysteries of magic. Magi belonging to the Arcane Order place particular emphasis on spellcasting, developing abilities that bring them closer to the practices of Wizards without abandoning their martial training. Their magical techniques include additional spellcasting options, greater access to magical knowledge, and abilities that manipulate the positioning of creatures through teleportation. Members of the Arcane Order can also use their magic to protect companions, reposition enemies, and unleash powerful arcane effects across the battlefield. For these Magi, understanding magic is not merely an academic pursuit. It is the foundation upon which their entire fighting discipline is built. ### Heaven's Guard Heaven's Guard are magical warriors devoted to protecting holy places and those placed under their care. Their traditions combine martial discipline with celestial magic, allowing them to defend their companions, heal injuries, and channel radiant power against their enemies. While many Magi focus upon overcoming opponents through magical attacks, members of Heaven's Guard place considerable importance on protection and preservation. Their abilities allow them to intervene when allies are threatened, strengthen defensive positions, and provide magical healing during dangerous encounters. As they grow more powerful, these Magi develop additional celestial abilities, including the capacity to take flight for limited periods and provide greater protection to their companions. Heaven's Guard are not simply healers who carry weapons. They are trained combatants who use their magical abilities to remain effective in battle while defending those who depend upon them. ### Knights Stygian The Knights Stygian are grim warriors who believe that evil must be confronted, even when doing so requires the use of dangerous or unsettling powers. Their philosophy embraces the belief that the methods used to defeat wickedness may be justified by the results. As a consequence, these Magi willingly employ dark magic and necromancy against the enemies they have sworn to destroy. Their abilities focus heavily upon close combat, allowing them to drain vitality from opponents, strengthen their own endurance, and inflict additional necrotic damage through their attacks. Unlike many Magi, who depend upon defensive spells to survive prolonged encounters, Knights Stygian possess magical techniques that allow them to recover strength while fighting. They can also employ supernatural fear against their enemies, using necromantic power to undermine opponents and make them more vulnerable. Their methods often distinguish them from more conventional protectors. Although they may pursue the destruction of evil, their willingness to wield dark magic can make them troubling allies and feared adversaries. For a Knight Stygian, victory over wickedness may be worth a considerable personal cost. ### Shadow Court The Shadow Court is formed from secretive and competing groups that wage hidden conflicts through espionage, infiltration, and assassination. Its members understand that victory does not always require overwhelming strength. Information, deception, and careful manipulation can often achieve what open warfare cannot. Magi of the Shadow Court combine martial training with illusion magic, stealth, and evasive techniques. Their abilities allow them to conceal their presence, misdirect opponents, and escape dangerous situations through supernatural means. Unlike many other Magi, members of the Shadow Court can also develop unarmed fighting techniques, allowing them to remain dangerous even when conventional weapons are unavailable. Their magical abilities include creating deceptive duplicates, becoming invisible, and using teleportation to escape threatening attacks. The Shadow Court's conflicts are often fought beyond the battlefield, where secrets and influence may determine the fate of powerful individuals or entire organisations. In combat, these Magi favour misdirection, mobility, and carefully timed attacks rather than prolonged direct confrontation. ### Sidereal Cabal The Sidereal Cabal studies the relationship between fate, destiny, and the movements of the stars. Its members believe that the patterns of existence can be understood through observation of celestial forces. By interpreting these patterns, they seek to recognise important events and influence how those events unfold. The Cabal contains differing philosophies concerning destiny and free will. Some members, known as Kismetists, favour subtle intervention, guiding events through small changes that gradually shape the future. Others, known as Volitionists, believe in taking decisive action at critical moments to direct the course of destiny. Magi of the Sidereal Cabal specialise in divination and the manipulation of probability, granting them abilities that can influence the outcome of attacks, saving throws, and other uncertain events. Their magic also allows them to manipulate movement and the passage of time, giving them unusual control over the circumstances of an encounter. For members of the Sidereal Cabal, a battle is not simply a contest of physical strength or magical power. It is an unfolding series of possibilities, each capable of being influenced by those who understand the forces guiding it. ### Sylvan Circle The Sylvan Circle consists of magical warriors devoted to preserving the natural world and maintaining harmony between nature and civilisation. Its members draw upon druidic magic, using the forces of nature to defend living creatures, protect wilderness regions, and confront those who threaten the natural balance. Unlike traditional Druids, these Magi combine their connection to nature with extensive martial training, allowing them to fight directly while using magic to support themselves and their companions. Their abilities include manipulating the battlefield through natural magic, strengthening the saving throws of allies, and providing magical healing. Members of the Sylvan Circle also develop powerful transformation abilities. Rather than using the Druid's Wild Shape feature, they gain enhanced access to transformation magic through Polymorph, allowing them to assume powerful beast forms or grant similar transformations to others. These abilities make them unusually durable combatants, particularly when protecting companions or confronting dangerous creatures. For members of the Sylvan Circle, martial strength and magical power are tools through which the natural world can be defended and preserved. --- ## What It Feels Like to Play a Magus Playing a Magus is about combining the excitement of martial combat with the versatility of spellcasting. Rather than committing entirely to fighting with weapons or casting spells, you can use both as part of the same fighting style. You might engage an enemy directly, unleash a spell to weaken their defences, and follow up with another attack. The class rewards players who enjoy making tactical decisions and adapting their approach to different situations. Choosing when to use a spell, when to rely upon a weapon, and how to manage the abilities granted by Mystic Mark can make a significant difference during combat. Unlike a Fighter, whose effectiveness often comes from repeated weapon attacks, the Magus relies heavily upon the interaction between magical and martial abilities. You must consider your available spells, the enemies you are facing, and the opportunities created by your class features. A Magus can also support many different character concepts. You might play a scholarly warrior seeking forgotten magical secrets, a celestial guardian protecting the innocent, a grim knight wielding necromancy against evil, or a secretive combatant who manipulates events through deception and illusion. The Eldritch Societies provide further opportunities for character development, allowing your Magus's magical traditions to influence their personality, beliefs, and ambitions. The class offers considerable flexibility, although understanding its abilities requires more attention than classes with simpler combat mechanics. --- ## Should You Play a Magus? The Magus is an excellent choice for players who enjoy both martial combat and magic but do not want to focus exclusively upon either. You may enjoy the class if you like: - Combining weapon attacks with spellcasting - Fighting with magically enhanced weapons - Tactical combat and managing magical resources - Characters who can adapt to different combat situations - Using magic for both offence and defence - Magical warriors with specialised traditions and abilities - Themes of arcane knowledge, martial discipline, and supernatural power You may prefer another class if you are looking for the extensive spellcasting versatility of a Wizard, the physical durability of a Barbarian, or the straightforward weapon-focused combat of a Fighter. The Magus also requires an understanding of how its spells, Mystic Mark, and weapon attacks interact, making it more involved than classes that rely primarily upon a single form of combat. For players who want to wield spell and steel together, confronting enemies through a combination of magical knowledge and martial skill, the Magus offers a distinctive and versatile approach to adventuring.