Caster Level Question

[BloodyAx]

I know this seems really odd to ask, but I was searching last night in the core books and couldn't find the answer to this question: Why would a player (or NPC) spellcaster ever cast a spell at a lower caster level than they possibly could? Maybe I missed something, 'casue it was late, but I only saw that people could do this, not any moitivation or advantage to doing so (like not using a high spell slot or whatever).

 

[werk]

I know this seems really odd to ask, but I was searching last night in the core books and couldn't find the answer to this question: Why would a player (or NPC) spellcaster ever cast a spell at a lower caster level than they possibly could? Maybe I missed something, 'casue it was late, but I only saw that people could do this, not any moitivation or advantage to doing so (like not using a high spell slot or whatever).

I used it previously for making magic items at base or lowest cost. I think that's the only time I've reduced caster level intentionally.

 

[Infiniti2000]

The sorcerer IMC once cast fireball at the weakest level (5th) to burn away some webs. This way he wouldn't hurt the people in the webs too much as he didn't have another fire-based spell.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Another interesting trick someone brought up the other day is that, if you attempt to dispel an application of the spell Explosive Runes, they automatically go off.

So, cast your ER at your highest possible CL, and then your Dispel Magic (or Erase) at your lowest possible CL, and you'll have a better chance of igniting your bomb.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Don't you automatically dispel your own spells? Not to mention that explosive runes is dismissable.

You automatically succeed on your dispel check against any spell that you cast yourself.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Only on a targeted dispel.

Targeted Dispel: One object, creature, or spell is the target of the dispel magic spell. You make a dispel check (1d20 + your caster level, maximum +10) against the spell or against each ongoing spell currently in effect on the object or creature. The DC for this dispel check is 11 + the spell’s caster level. If you succeed on a particular check, that spell is dispelled; if you fail, that spell remains in effect.

... You automatically succeed on your dispel check against any spell that you cast yourself.

Area Dispel: ... For each ongoing area or effect spell whose point of origin is within the area of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to dispel the spell.

...

You may choose to automatically succeed on dispel checks against any spell that you have cast.

 

[Hypersmurf]

The other way I've seen it used is when your allies with SR are mixed in with enemies... casting at a lower caster level means your allies are more likely to resist the spell.

-Hyp.

 

[Jack Simth]

It's also useful when time is a significant factor, and you don't want to wait the 5 rounds for the fighter 10 to finish clearing out the 30 or so goblin warrior 1's being corralled down the hallway at you while the BBEG is running away down a side-corridor. He can likely take a 5d6 (average 17.5 damage) Lighning Bolt (especially if he has your 10th level Resist Energy (lightning) up - Energy Resistance 20 to Lightning....), rather easily, but those Goblin Warrior 1's are very likely all dead. That 10th caster level lightning bolt, on the other hand, deals 10d6 (average 35) and could wound the friendly fighter.

 

[Krafen]

*snip*(like not using a high spell slot or whatever).

Casting a spell with a lower caster level has no effect on the spell slot required to cast the spell.


One potential use would be to shorten the duration of a non-dismissable spell.

In some rare cases, you might be able to do interesting things with a spell's area by reducing your maximum range. Since area spells cannot extend beyond the spell's range, regardless of where you center the effect, you might be able to get a half-circle burst under just the right circumstances. With a cone spell that extends to short range, you might be better off doing less damage if you were to avoid hitting your allies by doing so.