Besmaran Improved Familiars

[blackbloodtroll]

skull & shackles #55 : the wormwood mutiny p 72 wrote:

A cleric of besmara may give up one domain in exchange for a bird, blue-ringed octopus (ultimate magic 117), king crab (ultimate magic 119), monkey, or any of the familiars presented in the core rulebook. the cleric uses her cleric level as her effective wizard level for this purpose. a ranger who worships besmara may select any of the creatures listed above as a familiar instead of choosing an animal companion. the ranger's effective wizard level for this ability is equal to his ranger level -3.

This option is PFS legal, so I would like to know if this can be answered, as RAW as possible:

Can a Besmaran Ranger take the Improved Familiar feat?

[Rynjin]

Has a familiar (which means he can acquire a new one if need be)? Check.

Compatible alignment and sufficiently high level? Variable, potentially check

Just noticed the table lists "Arcane spellcaster level" in which case...no dice.

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

The effective wizard level will function as the arcane spellcaster level for this purpose, I think. I believe characters who have a familiar with Eldritch Heritage (Arcane) can take Improved Familiar.

[blackbloodtroll]

Is that not what the "Effective Wizard Level" is?

[Rynjin]

You wanted as close to RAW as possible, you said.

He has an "effective Wizard level" for determining the level of his Familiar, but he does not actually have any Arcane Spellcaster levels

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

Since the familiar is what matters here, I would think it would count for that purpose.

[blackbloodtroll]

This actually comes up a number of times.

Familiar granting Domains, Shamans, Tumor Familiars, and Familiars gained through Eldritch Heritage, along with other possible Familiars gained.

Has any answer, to any non-Arcane Caster gained Familiar, been answered on the rules pertaining to the Improved Familiar?

There just seems to be too many cases for no answer to be given, or even commented on, by any developer.

[blackbloodtroll]

If the Ranger has a Spell-like ability, that is arcane, like those gained by the Wendifa Apprentice, The Lantern Bearer, The Patriarch, or First Memories traits, and has a caster level high enough, then it should work.

Right?

[blackbloodtroll]

I really wish they would answer questions like this, about non-arcane caster Familiars, or other easily handled FAQs, rather than game-changing crud, that light the board aflame.

[blackbloodtroll]

Has the issue been addressed at all lately?