Practiced Spellcaster and other increases to caster level?

[SteelDraco]

So, I'm starting to play a Mystic Theurge with the Practiced Spellcaster feat. I'm starting out at 8th level, Clr3/Wiz3/MT2. I've got Practiced Spellcaster from the Complete Divine in both Wizard and Cleric, so my caster level is eight for both classes.

One of the domains I'm considering getting is the Evil domain, primarily because of the +1 caster level when casting Evil spells. This is for an evil campaign where BoVD spells are allowed, so that is actually a pretty useful thing for me. I'll have a lot of [Evil] spells to toss around, especially once I get Corrupt Spell.

However, I'm confused on something. Practiced Spellcaster says that it increases your caster level to a maximum of your hit dice. If I have that and the Evil domain, which happens first? Do I apply the +1 caster level for an evil spell and THEN the bonus for Practiced Spellcaster, bringing me to a caster level of 8, and negating the ability of the Evil domain? Or do I add Practiced Spellcaster first, get up to 8th caster level, and then increase an additional +1 when casting Evil spells?

I looked around, and didn't see anything to indicate how this should be resolved. Is it just a DM call, or am I missing something?

 

[Thanee]

Yeah, I'd think PS is done first and the other stuff can exceed the HD limit.

Bye
Thanee

 

[the Jester]

Good question.

I don't think the rules address this anywhere; I'd say it's a dm call, but personally I'd allow it to work. But maybe I'm just gettin' soft.

(thinks about last epic game)

Nah.

 

[Thanee]

I'd see it like this.

In general the caster level is limited to the number of HD you have.

PS gives you a +4 to caster level, no change in HD limit.

Other abilities (i.e. Spell Power) give you a +1 to caster level and also shift the HD limit by one.

Bye
Thanee

 

[James McMurray]

PC says the the bonus from the feat can't push you caster level past your hit dice. That seems to indicate that other effects still can.

 

[Pax]

I would always tend to apply the more limited benefits *first*, and the less-limited benefits later.

So IMC, for a Cleric(3) / Wizard(3) / Theurge(2) with Practised Spellcaster (Cleric) and, say, the Healing domain ... their caster level would be 9th level for healing spells: 3 (cleric) plus 2 (theurge) plus 3 (practised spellcaster, capped at HD) plus 1 (domain power).

 

[Oscar carramiñana]

I agree with others said The PS and bonus spellcasting level are added together

 

[Scion]

Definately stacks to maximum effect. Talk about a massive feat/ability investment