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Originally Posted by Nonlethal Force  Regarding the OP, I personally think that caster level = class level is too powerful. Especially for multiclassed characters who are also gaining class abilities, bonus feats, or whatever. I simply think that it is too powerful.
However, I also don't like the fractional values proposed in the other thread (or the varying rate, either). That adds complexity that I just don't like. People hate fractions enough as it is. Whole numbers and consistancyis the way to go for me. So, here's what I propose:
Caster level = character level - 1 per every three non-spellcaster class levels (round up).
So ... a rogue 1 / sorcerer 1 has a caster level of 1. A rogue 2 / sorcerer 1 has a caster level of 2. A rogue 3 / sorcerer 1 has a caster level of 3. A rogue 4 / sorcerer 1 has a caster level of 3. Etc.
The upside is that a theurge style now looks more playable without being over-the-top. A wizard 7 / cleric 3 / mystic theurge 10 has a wizard caster level of 19 and a cleric caster level of 17. Thus, not 20 /20 ... but 19 /17. I think that's a bit better, personally. |
Nonlethal, I'm talking about caster level equalling character level, not spellcasting slots or spells known which are based on class level. Perhaps I was not clear enough in my initial post, I'll edit that to be explicit.
A monk 19 sorcerer 1 would have the same number of 1st level spells known and spell slots as a sorcerer 1. They would just be penetrating spell resistance designed for 20th level encounters, resisting a dispel magic counterspell like a 20th level caster, and having the range and damage of a 20th level caster with their 4 or so magic missiles. A 20th level character doing 4 5d4+1 magic missile spells a day does not seem overpowered to me. This seems the most extreme example.
As I stated above I believe the true power of the dedicated spellcaster is in the top spell slots and highest level spells (whether metamagicked or straight). This is why
IMO losing even one or two full spellcasting levels is a significant power hit for full spellcasters.
Letting caster level slow down means SR becomes even tougher for the multiclassed character designed around spell use, and their already lower level spells will have even less effect against encounters designed for a straight classed spellcaster. This will lead to theurge types either having lots of spells that fail or have only minor effects or forcing them to specialize in spells that are not significantly impacted by caster level.