Duskblade (Magus; Elf)

This Pathfinder archetype for the magus is a tribute to the Duskblade D&D3.5 base class from the PHB II.

The duskblade is an archetype of the magus class, available to elven magi.

Many believe that the elves were the first to blend spells and swordplay, and among elven magi, the order of duskblades epitomize not only this fighting style but also elvendom itself.  Elves often see the duskblade as protectors and champions of elven culture and as such have a prominent place in the society of the elves in the same way that an anointed knight has great status amongst human society. Duskblades are taught in a master-apprentice tutelage system, with a master taking on a limited number of apprentices to carry on the work of defending elven society and promoting their principals and way of life.  The order keeps to a code and lends aid to elves in need.  A duskblade that breaks his vows can be expected to be hunted down by others of the order.

CLASS FEATURES

A duskblade has the following class features:

Diminished Spellcasting

The magus casts one fewer spell of each level than normal. If this reduces the number to 0, he may cast spells of that level only if his Intelligence allows bonus spells of that level.

Duskblade

The magus begins play with a special mithril masterwork blade, forged by himself, that behaves in all respects as a longsword.  This blade is called a “duskblade.”  At 3rd level and every three subsequent levels, the magus continues to refine his duskblade with a modification:

• Bigger Damage Die: d10 as bastard sword
• Bigger Crit Multiplier: x3 as falcata
• Bigger Crit Range: 18-20 as rhoka
• Double Weapon: as two-bladed sword
• Dueling: +4 checks to disarm and bluff/feint
• Finesse: as Aldori dueling blade
• Light: as sawtooth sabre
• Piercing: deals piercing or slashing as elven thinblade
• Sundering: +4 sundering as flambard

Arcane Bond (Su)

At 1st level, the magus gains arcane bond as a bonus arcane talent.  The bond is formed with the duskblade. Additionally, spell combat, weapon arcana, and numerous applicable arcane talents can only be used with the bonded duskblade.

Ancestral Weapon Mastery (Ex)

At 1st level, the magus gains weapon focus (longsword) as a bonus feat.  At 8th level, the magus gains weapon focus - greater (longsword) as a bonus feat.  

Crafting Lore (Ex)

At 5th level, the magus gains crafting lore as a bonus arcane talent.  The bonus crafting lore can only be used on the bonded duskblade. (Crafting Lore grants the item creation feat craft magic arms & armor regardless of prerequisites.)