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The Off-Tank
Pathfinder: Kingmaker

The Off-Tank

Build the ultimate Off-Tank in pathfinder kingmaker using Magus and Monk (Scaled Fist). Learn spell choices and ability progression from levels 1-10.

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Build the ultimate Off-Tank in pathfinder kingmaker using Magus and Monk (Scaled Fist). Learn spell choices and ability progression from levels 1-10.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Levels 1-4: The Weakest Phase

    The Magus starts relatively weak due to a middling Base Attack Bonus and low armor class when unarmored. The first four levels are the build's weakest.

    • 1st Level: Wear armor, use the Shield spell. Contribute with Grease for crowd control. Your Armor Class should reach 30+ by 3rd level, but offensive output is low.
  2. 2
    2nd Level: Multiclass into Monk (Scaled Fist). This allows you to apply your Charisma modifier to Armor Class when unarmored. Learn Crane Style to reduce penalties for Fighting Defensively from -4 to -2 and gain a +1 Dodge bonus to Armor Class. Always use Fighting Defensively from this point on. Enhance damage with Spellstrike to deliver touch-range spells via melee attacks.
  3. 3
    3rd Level: Level up as Magus for the rest of the game. Gain Mage Armor as a bonus spell. Select Shocking Grasp. Acquire Spell Combat and Spellstrike, allowing you to cast a spell and make a full attack in the same round, discharging the spell on a hit (with a -2 Attack penalty). Spell Combat also lets you cast standard action spells without losing melee attacks. Gain your third rank in Mobility, increasing your Fighting Defensively bonus to +4 Armor Class. With Mage Armor, Shield, Fighting Defensively, and your Dexterity and Charisma modifiers, your Armor Class should be 30+, improving with gear like Amulet of Natural Armor and Ring of Protection.
  4. 4
    4th Level: Acquire Arcane Accuracy to boost your Attack roll by your Charisma modifier, offsetting penalties. True Strike offers enduring utility as an Attack booster, usable with Spell Combat.
  5. 5
    Levels 5-10: The Tank Excels

    The Tank excels at negating enemy aggression with high Armor Class and illusion spells.

    • 5th Level: Gain Slashing Grace: Longsword, allowing you to apply your Dexterity bonus to damage rolls, significantly increasing damage output. Acquire two 2nd-level arcane spells: Glitterdust (a potent early-to-mid game debuff that blinds enemies and grants concealment) and Mirror Image (to absorb enemy attacks).
  6. 6
    6th Level: Learn Outflank, boosting your Attack Bonus by +2 to +4 when flanking and granting Attacks of Opportunity to flanking characters on critical hits. Flanking is crucial in pathfinder kingmaker combat.
Tips
  • Always use Fighting Defensively from 2nd level onwards.
  • Strive to flank enemies in nearly every fight, especially with animal companions or summons in turn-based mode.
  • Stack Armor Class boosting gear such as Amulet of Natural Armor and Ring of Protection.
  • Use Glitterdust for its powerful debuffing capabilities.
  • Mirror Image is essential for survivability when enemies bypass your Armor Class.

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