[PF]Magus/Student of War?

[Anderlith]

So is taking Student of War up to at least Mind over Metal worth the dip or is it better to go full Magus?

[Bhaakon]

Short answer, no.


Long answer, it's a good rule of thumb that giving up caster levels isn't worth the tradeoff. That's particularly the case here, as know your enemy and mind over metal aren't that good. You also have to consider the feat tax: skill focus (knowledge) is a wasted feat, and combat expertise and dodge, while more useful, probably aren't the best choices.

That being said, if you like the fluff, go for it. Two levels of Student of War aren't going to gimp your character into uselessness by any means. I suppose that INT to AC is a nice consolation prize for the lost spells if you've already decided to dump DEX.

[Zurdan]

If you are a Kensai magus you have already given up spell slots in favor of a more melee focused build. Being able to double dip into Int for AC as well as already using it as a bonus to your initiative modifier makes you less MAD so it is probably worth dipping into it for 2 levels, especially if you are starting play at a higher level.