Eldritch Banneret (Samurai/Magus)

Honor-bound knights with alacrity for comprehending the arcane, eldritch bannerets descend on their enemies with in a rush of steel and spell-wreathed weapons. Their natural leadership capabilities make them great strategists for mage troops, and their intimate knowledge of magic makes them ideal anti-magic shock troops. As they grow in knowledge, strength, and power, these juggernauts perfect techniques that empower their allies on the battlefield, neutralize enemy spellcaster threats, and cause arcane havoc in the ranks of their foes. (Original Concept by Flak)

Primary Class: Samurai.

Secondary Class: Magus.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d10.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The eldritch banneret may select three magus skills to add to his class skills in addition to the normal samurai class skills, one of which must be Spellcraft. The eldritch banneret gains a number of skill ranks at each level equal to 2 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The eldritch banneret is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, plus the katana, naginata, and wakizashi. Eldritch bannerets are proficient with all types of armor (heavy, light, and medium), and shields (except tower shields). An eldritch banneret does not incur arcane spell failure when casting spells as a part of his arcane challenge ability; a multiclass eldritch banneret still incurs the normal arcane spell failure chance for arcane spells received from other classes.

Caster Level: An eldritch banneret does not learn or prepare spells normally, but a number of his abilities allow him to cast spells or otherwise interact with spell effects. For the purposes of the arcane challenge, spell duelist, and banner image abilities, as well as for the purposes of qualifying for feats such as Arcane Strike, the eldritch banneret's caster level is equal to his level.

Arcane Challenge: At 1st level, the eldritch banneret selects one first-level spell from the magus spell list with a range of "touch." Once per challenge, the eldritch banneret may cast that spell on the target of his challenge, delivering the spell through his weapon as though using the magus spellstrike ability. To activate this ability, the eldritch banneret must have an Intelligence score of 10 + the spell's level. If the spell allows a save, the DC is equal to 10 + the spell's level + the eldritch banneret's Intelligence modifier. The eldritch banneret never suffers arcane spell failure when using this ability. Arcane challenge replaces the challenge ability granted by the eldritch banneret's order.

Familiar: At 1st level, the eldritch banneret gains the familiar magus arcana. This ability replaces mount and mounted archer.

Spell Duelist (Su): At 3rd level, the eldritch banneret gains a bonus on Spellcraft checks made to identify spells as they are being cast equal to half his level, rounded down. The eldritch ba