Really sorry if this seems dumb, but...

[kibbitz]

With regards to the Cleric/Wizard/Druid/Sorceror, a character must have a casting stat of 10+spell's level. Does this mean that if my Cleric has a Wis of 14, I may never cast magic better than Lvl 4 unless I raise Wis?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hong]

Pretty much, yes.

 

[kibbitz]

Thanks... so no point in a full spellcasting class unless I pump Wis all the way, or unless I multiclass, huh?

 

[Fade]

Yes for divine spells. If you take Wiz/Sor/Bard levels they have different casting stats.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

You can still prepare lower level spells in higher level slots. For example, when you get your 5th level spell slots, you may prepare any lower level spells using them. This even works with domains spell slots, provided the lower level spell is a lower level domain spell.

 

[AuraSeer]

You can also use metamagic. If your Wis is 14, and you have fifth-level slots, you can prepare a Silenced 4th-level spell or a Quickened 1st-level spell. A metamagicked spell is considered as a spell of its original level, for everything except the slot it takes up.

The only exception to the above is the Heighten Spell feat, because a Heightened spell actually becomes a spell of the higher level.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

And magic items like Periapt of Wisdoms that enhance your spell stat will also effect your ability to cast higher level spells.

(With point buy, I typically design a spell caster with a 15 in his spell casting ability score)