Build question, Magic Knight

[DuskNDawn]

So I think I'm now into the Ranni Ending and it's just a me thing but I really think I wanna add magic (Feels fitting) but unsure of how to go about it. Level 90 Vagabond start and I'm thinking respec some points into Int but not sure how deep I need/want to go.

For starters I don't know if more Int means more damage with Scholar's Armament and if so how much Int to put in. I'm thinking of just respec and ripping 10 points of Str out (40) and bumping Int to like...20? I could also perhaps take some from End (30).

Should I also switch my weapon to Int Scaling? If I just go back to default Str and put it into Int would my sword + Armament be doing about the same or more?

I normally ignore magic in Souls games but I gotta say a magic spark has been started and only know Str/Dex Scaling means more points in Str/Dex means more damage so it just works the same right?

For the Record Current Stats are V40 - M21 - E30 - S40 - D13 - I9 - F9 - A7

[Razkil]

So there would be a few ways to do this.
Option 1: If you put str/dex to the bare minimum required to one hand your favored weapon, assuming it can have it's Ash of War changed, you can swap the base scaling to Magic (mostly Int scaling). This will however make it so the weapon can not be enchanted, as well as have the items used on it to apply status buffs. It would however mean the weapon would deal Physical and Magical damage, and still be quite strong, about the same as if you kept your normal scaling if not stronger.

Option 2: Swap your Ash of War into Heavy or Keen, depending on if you prefer Dex or Str, and move 10 from Vigor, 5 from Endurance, at most 10 from Str all to Int. Use a staff in left hand to cast magic when needed, kind of like a "tool for when melee is not the best option". For this one, I would scale your "main stat", in your case Str, and Int somewhat evenly. You do not need to go higher than 60 Int at most though. Also make sure to get Endurance and Vigor back up later on. The spells you would be using a lot, would be the heavier ones, as well as weapon enchants, so it would be mostly a matter of taste as to what you wish to use.

Mind: The reason I did not mention mind, is cause the amount you need varies wildly. As a almost pure caster, I tend to go between 40 - 50, but wishing for more. For you, 20 - 30 might be just fine, just keep in mind the less Mind you have, the more Cerulean Tears you may want to carry around with you. This is due to "over-healing" in a sense, as they replenish far more FP than you actually have as your max.

As for general spells to use, I won't say much. As a magic knight enchanting your blade, or having a long-range alternative to your blade is most likely what you would want. As well as a way to hit enemies with status effects. There is a few Frost based spells, which causes enemies to become slowed and a bit sluggish, as well as proc a effect similar to bleed (big damage spike).

I hope this helps. Just remember whatever you do, there is not really a "right way" of being a magic knight. Any weapon is viable, assuming you have a Ash of War and the right whetblade. And if you can't find a spell to use now, just search the prior areas or new ones. I have seen a wide variety of "niche" spells that work well with casters that don't just want to pulverize a target from range.