Arcane combatant similar to paladins and rangers.

[MonkeySage]

3.5, I would like to stat out a base class with spell progression similar to paladins and rangers. Learns spells and prepares them like a wizard and has it's own spell list, but perhaps otherwise mirrors the classes above. May have it's own unique abilities. This is for the ghosts haunting a few of my dungeons, who come from a time when arcane magic was easily available to the general elven populace.(Its inspired by Zeal)

1. what special abilities might I give to make this class unique?
2. what spells might I include on their list?

Few thoughts: int based save/attack/ac bonus? similar to paladins, swashbucklers, and monks respectively...

[themourningstar]

Hexblade? :P

[MonkeySage]

Sort of, but its an int based prepared spellcaster. learns spells the same way a wizard does.

[Newwby]

How about a (later) ability to cast/channel a spell, make an attack and deal the spell effect through your melee effect as a standard action? E.g. limit it to melee touch attack spells (maybe make it start limited to 1st level spell spells then increase in spell level as you gain levels) such as shocking grasp. It'd create a magic swordsman/spellblade flavoured class.

That's pretty much what I envision when I think arcane warrior.

Another idea would be to maybe grant it a familiar or (not 1st) improved familiar at level -3? paladin has lessened turn undead, ranger has lessened animal companion, it's not entirely out of the wheel house

[MonkeySage]

I like both of these ideas. I'm also thinking maybe Armored Caster as a class feature, but i'm wondering what level they should get it at. Since they don't get first level spells till level 4. For that matter, what abilities do you think they should get prior to that point?

[MonkeySage]

Good Will and reflex saves, poor fort, good base attack bonus.
First Level: Weapon Finesse and Combat Expertise as bonus feats, Second Level: Evasion, Arcane Resistance, Third Level: Insightful Strike, Fourth Level: arcane spellcasting, summon familiar, Fifth Level: Armored caster.


So far this is what i've come up with...

[Just to Browse]

The concept "arcane fighter" is not enough to detail a class. Even "arcane ghost fighter" is not enough, as both of those things encompass a huge spectrum of possible combos, because arcane magic is a really broad concept in D&D. The paladin and ranger have very tightly defined niches, both in their combat tactics and in their spellcasting. I suggest you do the same for your class.

Paladin

Magic

Personal buffs
Healing (status ailments and HP)
Holy magic themed utility

Heavy armor
Special mount
Smiting fools


Ranger

Magic

Personal buffs
Animals and plants
Travel themed utility

TWF or lots of arrows
Animal companion
Favored enemies


You should make a similar list. Pick 3 magic things, 3 non-magic things, and then assemble them into your class along with small rules to make fighting/casting not terrible. I've also picked some of the better mage/fighter base classes (IMHO of course), in case you are in need or inspiration or just want to recycle some homebrew:

Duskblade (PHBII) and Magus (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/magus) (not great, just official)
Ziegander's retooled mageknight (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197680)
Ziegander's arcane knight (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218567)
Dragoonwraith's swordmage (http://wiki.faxcelestis.net/index.php?title=Swordmage) (a lot more complicated, but I enjoy it)
Mister Sinister's Jedi (http://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/Jedi_(3.5e_Class)).