Is magical knack worth it if I only dip one level? (for a magus)

[Chevalier83]

I plan on dipping one level of sorc for my magus. Is Magical Knack worth it or would you rather take focused mind? (my other trait will be wayang spell hunter shocking grasp).

[LazarX]

I would have to have a very good reason to dip from the magus class, especially one that's not very synergetic.

[Sagotel]

I would be inclined to think not. You won't even be able to use the trait before 3rd level (assuming you go magus-sorcerer-magus or magus-magus-sorcerer). You might do better to take Focused Mind, since that helps you cast defensively. I realize that the difference is less important as you gain levels.

While it is useful to have a level of sorcerer - shoot, it gives you access to a wider variety of scrolls and wands if nothing else - remember that you will suffer arcane spell failure chance when you cast as a sorcerer.

Anyway, that'a my opinion. I have often tried and failed to cast defensively, so I have a bias.

[Chevalier83]

I have my reasons... I still think about what matters more, the caster level for spells (and also concentration) I get from Magical Knack or the +2 to concentration I'd get from focused mind. I tend to taking Magical Knack though..

[Theconiel]

Chevalier83 wrote:

I have my reasons... I still think about what matters more, the caster level for spells (and also concentration) I get from Magical Knack or the +2 to concentration I'd get from focused mind. I tend to taking Magical Knack though..

Based on my experience (limited, I realize), I would go with Focused Mind.

[james maissen]

Chevalier83 wrote:

I plan on dipping one level of sorc for my magus. Is Magical Knack worth it or would you rather take focused mind? (my other trait will be wayang spell hunter shocking grasp).

Between the two, magical knack hands down. As it adds to caster level it will perforce add to concentration checks.

However, that said I would go for magical lineage (shocking grasp).

-James