+1 to existing spellcasting class and PrCs

[Zappo]

Suppose that I have levels in a PrC that grants spells using its own list, such as the Assassin. If I take a level in a PrC that grants "+1 to existing spellcasting class", I can choose to apply it to the Assassin class. And thus end up being, for example an Assassin 5th that casts as an Assassin 7th.

This means that the combined Assassin spellcaster levels could go over 10 before epic levels are reached. So, what happens? Are the extra spellcaster levels wasted because the character isn't epic, or should the character get the spellcasting abilities of an epic Assassin?

I'm leaning to the second solution - you can't take epic PrC levels until 21st character level, but here I'm not taking any epic PrC level at all. Besides, it doesn't seem unbalancing.

What PrCs currently give their own spellcasting progression? I heard Bladesinger was changed in CW, so we're left with Assassin and what?

 

[Crothian]

nevermind, i didn't like my answer

 

[Zappo]

That's the bit on which I'm not sure. The Assassin isn't going above 10th. The Epic limitation talks about class levels, and the character definitely has just 10 regular ones of them. It's a kinda weird situation.

 

[James McMurray]

I don't see a problem with allowing the caster level to go above ten pre-epic. You don't gain any bonus spells or anything, so all it does is add to whatever variable effects the spell may have.

 

[Crothian]

After rethinking it, it should be no problem. Normal casters can get their caster level higher then 20 without going epic.

 

[Nightfall]

Agreed with Crothy, I don't see why as yes you improve you spellcasting, BUT you don't get the other features true assassins get for improving at each level.

 

[Zappo]

I don't have the ELH handy - don't these classes get some bonus spells after 10th? BTW, what are the other classes with their own spell progression?

 

[green slime]

Even Epic spellcasters do not receive additional spell levels or spell slots. That all dries up after the big 2-0.

After character level 20 you have to spend feats to improve your number spellcasting slots available. Unfortunately for "minor" spell casters, they do not receive higher level spells, they can just fill their higher level (i.e. 5th level and above) spell slots with metamagicked spells.

 

[Pax]

Not 100% true, Green. It'snot character level 20, it's class level 20 for the pure spellcasters.

A Fighter(30) who adds a level of sorceror does get the per-day spells of a 1st level sorceror. ^_^

However, in general: when your caster level is increased above the "maximum" for a given class, you don't get more spells per day -- wether your class maxxes out at 5thlevel, 10th level, or 20th level. Or anywhere else, for that matter. ^_^

 

[pawsplay]

No more spell slots, but you do get the increased effective level on the spells you can cast. You can see the same issue with Cleric Domains that raise effective caster for spells of a certain descriptor.