new rule: Caster Level = Character Level

[Voadam]

it removes one of the only penalties built into the prestige class system.


Sigurd

Can you expound on this? Do you mean caster prestige classes that give some but not all levels as +1 spellcasting.

An eldritch knight for example will still be down a minimum -2 caster levels, meaning he will miss out on his top level of spells. Missing the top level of spells IMO is the significant power balance part, not the minor -2 on spell penetration rolls.

 

[Sigurd]

Missing the top level of spells IMO is the significant power balance part, not the minor -2 on spell penetration rolls.

You are right that that is the most painful side of the limitation. The extra spell expertise is also reasonable given the focus outside of core spellcasting.

If the core spellcaster is too good to give up the players wont. If the prestige class is preferable players will take it. I don't think one needs to sweeten prestige classes this way. They are certainly not underutilized.


Again, for a monster or individual case, I don't have a problem. As a trend, it is simply power creep.


Sigurd

 

[Voadam]

As a trend, it is simply power creep.

For non-full caster level spellcasters. It adds nothing to full casters.

 

[pawsplay]

My inclination is to use Spellcraft in place of caster level for caster level checks and increase the DCS by 5, and leave caster level as it is. The main reason I haven't implemented this in my own campaign (apart from being on hiatus with the new baby) is the changes to Concentration checks.

 

[TanisFrey]

Consider a 10/10 sorcerer/wizard with caster level 20. He is a full caster just splitting between spontaneous innate power and learned prepared magic. He has spell slots and max spell levels of a 10th level caster but he's going against the same monsters as the other 20th level casters and noncasters in his party. As a 20th level PC focused entirely on casting should he be half as good at penetrating SR and should his top tier 5th level cone of cold be reduced 10 caster levels on top of being his top tier spell compared to his compatriots throwing around 9th level spells?

For some going for the Wizard/Sorcerer multiclass, consider updating the Ultimate Magus Prestige from Complete Mage (WOTC 3.5 splat book) to Pathfinder. A 5 sorcerer/5 wizard/10 ultimate magus has spell per day of a 13 sorcerer/13 wizard + 1 level to class of choice, and the effective spell caster level (damage dice, SR ect.) is +4 levels for both class. Plus they can sacrifice spell slots to add metamagic feats on the fly a limited number times per day.

At three level of this prestige class a "+ 1 level of lower-level existing arcane casting class" exists, it allows you to chose which to apply it to if the classes are equal in level for spells per day.

 

[fireinthedust]

For some going for the Wizard/Sorcerer multiclass, consider updating the Ultimate Magus Prestige from Complete Mage (WOTC 3.5 splat book) to Pathfinder. A 5 sorcerer/5 wizard/10 ultimate magus has spell per day of a 13 sorcerer/13 wizard + 1 level to class of choice, and the effective spell caster level (damage dice, SR ect.) is +4 levels for both class. Plus they can sacrifice spell slots to add metamagic feats on the fly a limited number times per day.

At three level of this prestige class a "+ 1 level of lower-level existing arcane casting class" exists, it allows you to chose which to apply it to if the classes are equal in level for spells per day.

Is this book still good for Pathfinder? I suppose so, but I've seen some issues with, say, Dragonlance d20 setting being underpowered for some PrCs. Some other things being over-powered in 3.5 as well (for me it's the idea of power attack and reach vs. my BBEGs locked down. grrr, arrgh).

 

[rangerjohn]

FitD just let me know what you decide. It would affect Ragnor if you decided to change it.

 

[Scott DeWar]

Personally, i find that the previously mentioned ideas of either

1) practised spellcaster feat or

2) the idea of increasing caster level like bab : 1/2 for non spell casters, 3/4 for semi spell casters and 1/1 for spell casters. as for caster level = character level i think is a bit much.

 

[Sylrae]

Caster Level = Character Level is a bit much.

Best Fix: Caster Level, and Spell Slots, etc, are BAB-like. You really want to pick up trailblazer as it's amazing.

Fast Fix: Have ALL class levels that don't add to your caster level/spell slots add 1/5 a level's worth, to a max of your caster levels in that class.

 

[Set]

I find Unearthed Arcana's Magic Rating concept to be right about in line with what I would want to use for this situation;

Magic Rating :: d20srd.org

The Fractional BAB and Fractional Saves concepts are also good for multi-classing issues, where BAB falls behind, or Saves fly ahead.