Do Caster Level Increases From Multiple Sources Stack?

[strongbow]

In other words, would a (+1 caster level) from a cleric domain stack with the (+1 caster level) from the spell Death Knell and furthermore with a Bead of Karma (+4 caster level for 10 minutes)?

I ask this because a bonus to casting level is not like most types of bonuses, with clear definable types.

The default rule is that like bonuses don't stack. How would you DMs handle this?

Mini-Poll
Option 1) Nothing stacks. Too bad, so sad.
Option 2) Bonuses from different sources stack
Option 3) Everything stacks, because caster levels are like dodge bonuses

If anyone has an official answer, that would be great too.

 

[Orco42]

I am not sure... IMO it would be option 3.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

Unnamed bonus usually stacks.

I'm not familiar with the bead of karma, but the general bonus from death knell stacks with the specific domain bonus.

 

[strongbow]

How does +1 caster level qualify as an unnamed bonus? I understand your reasoning and consider it logical, but would like to know if that is your opinion or if there is some way of knowing for sure. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[Oni]

I believe they are unnamed simply because they state what they give the bonus to, not what sort of bonus it is. (i.e. it says a +4 caster level, not +4 enhancement bonus to caster level). As there is no mention of a named bonus type, I'd say your good to go.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

How does +1 caster level qualify as an unnamed bonus?

It qualifies because there is no mention as to the origin of the bonus. Unnamed bonus is a misnomer, really. What is unnamed is the origin.

Normally, bonuses follow this pattern;

[Type] to [what they modifies]
Dodge bonus to AC
Luck Bonus to AC
Insight Bonus to AC
etc.

If a description simply says "bonus to caster level" without providing a source for this bonus, it should stack with anything. That's the general rule. You'll find detail on this in the DMG.