Yes, make sure you have A4, don't rely on MA Caelum to trade you one, especially when I have played MA Man twice and been caught out with that one myself.
As a alternative you can put at least S4 on your pretender then you can forge starhine skullcap--->ring of sorcery--->ring of wizardry. This is more versatile, as it will boost other magic paths as well. You could even turn it into a bless with S9. The twist of fate + MR bonus is a good bless. Also S9 opens up spells like arcane nexus etc...
S9 with a fountain if available to Man, is very cheap in design points.