Questions about qualifying for Jade Phoenix Mage

[Deadline]

Ok, so I know that Jade Phoenix Mage requires the ability to cast 2nd level arcane spells. Now, what qualifies you for this? Do spell-like abilities count? Or do you pretty much have to have levels in Sorcer/Wizard for this?

Ideally, I'd like to see about using Warlock or Dragonfire Adept as the arcane class that JPM advances, but need to figure out how to qualify without dipping into an actual spellcasting class.

Is there any way to do it? (Templates/TO tricks/etc.)?

[Telonius]

Spell-like abilities don't count as prerequisites. That's the big reason Warlock has such trouble getting into prestige classes. You would need actual levels in a spellcasting class for that.

[Deadline]

Well crud. Is there a Initiator Theurge combo besides JPM?

[Story]

You could do it with only one level in Wizard via Precocious Apprentice.

[Deadline]

You could do it with only one level in Wizard via Precocious Apprentice.

I'd forgotten that trick. That would let you put this on a Warlock chassis and not lose Dark invocation access.