"+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class"

[Kheti sa-Menik]

"+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class"

The book entires that detail this class ability for PrCs that have it indicates that spells per day and, if applicable, spells known increase as if you had taken another level in your previous spellcasting class.
Does this mean that your caster level doesn't increase?
That a wizard doesn't get the two additional spells per level to add to their spell book?

 

[jcfiala]

"+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class"

The book entires that detail this class ability for PrCs that have it indicates that spells per day and, if applicable, spells known increase as if you had taken another level in your previous spellcasting class.
Does this mean that your caster level doesn't increase?
That a wizard doesn't get the two additional spells per level to add to their spell book?

Your caster level does increase, and you do get two additional spells per level if the arcane caster you're increasing is a Wizard. (Naturally, if you're playing a sorcerer, your spells go up as per that class.)

 

[Kheti sa-Menik]

See now, I've seen it interpretted differently...
The text for this class ability in the SRD states "When a new <PrC> level is gained, the character gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if she had also gained a level in a spellcasting class she belonged to before she added the prestige class. She does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained."
Emphasis mine.

I've seen that interpretted by others (and reading that I would interpret it this way as well), that since it specifically mentions spells per day and spells known increasing and specifically says nothing else increases, that only those two things are gained and Caster Level wouldn't increase and a wizard wouldn't recieve the two new spells per level anymore.

Does WOTC have an official ruling on this or is it stated anywhere in errata clearly?

 

[smootrk]

The +1 level does include the Caster Level, Spell Progression, etc. as if increase in class. The 'other benefits' pertain to things like Familiars, Bonus Feats, or other Class features outside of the Spellcasting process... although, I have never granted the 2 spells for the spellbook aspect. I could be wrong about holding that back, but it never seemed like a progression of spellcasting ability - more of increase in spellbook inventory, by virtue of training in the class itself... again, I could be wrong.

 

[Jhulae]

Yes, they're supposed to.

Otherwise, Sorcerers or Bards wouldn't get new spells, but they do.

 

[Kheti sa-Menik]

The specificity seems to lean towards the other way.
Only spells per day and spells known.
It is silent on caster level and additional spells for the spellbook.

Is there any kind of errata or official clarification on this?

 

[cthulhu_duck]

Is there any kind of errata or official clarification on this?

It's answered in either the 3.0 or 3.5 FAQ, in the affirmative (caster level increases, and wizards get their extra spells).

 

[jcfiala]

Here, it's in the 3.0 FAQ:

I can't find any information about how many spells prestige class spellcasters know. I am going on the presumption that those that gain bonus spells per day of their existing class (such as loremaster and spellsword) do not automatically add additional spells to their spellbook as they gain levels.

They do add spells to their lists. For example, a wizard/loremaster gains 2 spells for her spellbook when using a loremaster level to increase spellcasting. A sorcerer/Loremaster would learn more spells as well. Adding spells to your spellbook or personal repertoire is part of spellcasting.

 

[glass]

Yes, they're supposed to. Otherwise, Sorcerers or Bards wouldn't get new spells, but they do.

It specifically says they get spells known, so bards and sorcerers would get their extra spells (as would wizards). It doesn't mention caster level however, which puts it in the list of 'other things' which are not granted.

You are almost certainly right that they are supposed to add to caster level, but as written they don't.

Good catch Keti sa-Menik!

*wanders off to add a houserule to his list*


glass.

 

[calypso15]

From the Eldritch Knight class:

"This essentially means that she adds the level of eldritch knight to the level of whatever other arcane spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day and caster level accordingly."

From the Arcane Trickster class:

"He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained, except for an increased effective level of spellcasting."

From the Mystic Theurge class:

"This essentially means that he adds the level of mystic theurge to the level of whatever other arcane spellcasting class and divine spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day and caster level accordingly."

From the Loremaster class:

"This essentially means that she adds the level of loremaster to the level of some other spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly."

...and so on.

Calypso