Best combined fighter\mage class for 3.5 or 4e

[Blackskies]

Hi, I'm looking to be something of a 'warmage' or a spellsword, but I'm a bit lost. I want to make a single classed character who can wield a couple of mid-length swords (maybe have a bow as backup) and also cast spells to an equally good degree (50/50 in other words).

Is there anything like that? I'm not after a front-line fighter, rather a lightly armoured and mobile strategist.

[Blackskies]

Oh yes, and it has to be suitable for a Chaotic Good alignment, sorry.

[Ithamar]

For 3.5, the Duskblade found in PHBII might be a good fit. Or perhaps check out the Factotum from Dungeonscape.

Lots more variables to account for though, such as starting level, base race, books available, etc. Also it seems odd that either 3.5 or 4e will work.

[Blackskies]

Well I want to join a game and those are the two that seem to be on offer. Are there any cool anthro races I could have that could do it?

[Cancer]

Well it all depends on what combination you like the best, and what you want to be good at.

You can actually approach the idea of the spell slinging swordsman from multiple angles. Wizards, Clerics, and Druids immediately leap to mind as all viable melee casters with the proper utilization of spells.

However there are some approaches that are less efficient and will lead you to being quite useless in the field of battle if you attempt any sort of martial sworcery. They are as follows : Warmage, Healer, Beguiler, and Dragonfire Adepts. They are better suited in other roles and excel at them.

[Jondera]

If you're willing to look at Pathfinder, I find the Magus to be quite good.

In fact, I'm playing one in a Kingmaker campaign at the moment.

[Blackskies]

That sounds like exactly what I need, thanks, I'll go and look at Pathfinder campaigns too.

[Black Knight]

In 4e, Swordmage is pretty much exactly what you want. You wear light armor, cast spells, and hit things with your sword effectively.

[Nocturnal]

Second that sentiment. In 4e: Swordmage (or the Essentials version Bladesinger) is exactly that.

See my suggestions along that line in this thread and see such a character in action in this game. Hope that helps.

[Treason]

The hexblade is an interesting option for role playing. It gives you spells, swords and a few cool abilities as well, it fits what you're looking for, this was a 3.5 one. It was from Complete Warrior.