SLA FAQ and Arcane Trickster

[Graeme]

I've just realised that with the SLA FAQ allowing SLAs to help qualify for prestige classes, it's possible to get into Arcane Trickster with a single level of a magic-using class. For example:

Half-elf (Drow Magic) - Rogue 3 and Wizard, Sorcerer or Magus 1

That meets the sneak attack requirement (+2d6), the Mage Hand requirement, and the 2nd level arcane requirement (darkness as a SLA) - all in the minimum number of levels to meet the skill requirements (disable devices 4 and escape artist 4)

Assuming a 15 point build, I was thinking:

STR 10 DEX 18 (15+2 racial) CON 12 INT 15 WIS 10 CHA 7

Traits: Reactionary (or any other trait giving +2 initiative), Magical Knack

Feats (to level 5)
1R) Toughness
2R) Weapon Finesse (via rogue talent)
3R) Dervish Dance
4<spellcaster>) +1 INT for stat bonus
5AT) Improved Initiative

What do you suggest as the most appropriate spellcaster to go with this idea? I was thinking Magus for the ability to cast while in armor, plus taking a second level later gives the option to combine sneak attack with spellstrike, but I'd be losing out on the arcana until I took a third level of Magus.

Would Wizard be a better option? The idea is that the magic is mainly supporting the ability to get into position to sneak attack. For example, Vanish followed by a sneak attack with Shocking Grasp.

[Lurk3r]

You can also take the Minor Magic rogue talent to get Mage Hand and cut out spellcasting altogether! Which is pretty cool if all you want is ranged pickpocketing.

[Graeme]

I did think of that, but then you're wasting one part of the Arcane Trickster class - adding one to the caster level for each level.

[strayshift]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IZBcQbZlN5psPppnuQvOO3xJ5P84tI6UNPiQz5_ jEGc/edit?pli=1

There you go courtesy of A Highly Regarded Expert - may not cover all the sourcebooks.

[strayshift]

I also wonder if the Precise Strike teamwork feat would enable you to qualify with just 1 level of Ninja/Rogue?

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/precise-strike-combat-teamwork

[Choon]

I would say no. I think the intent is to have the sneak attack dice from class features, not feats.
Also, the damage from that feat is prcision damage, not sneak attack damage. (Yes, they're different in this case)

[strayshift]

I think it is about the same 'leap of faith' that allows an S.L.A. to be counted as casting, perhaps less of one as you spent a feat to achieve it..