Setting Caster Level Question

[RUMBLETiGER]

So because of the inspiration of some of you good people here, I've started looking into how to make Spell traps. The information for said process exists plainly in the DMG p.74-76 and the Stronghold Builder's Guide p.64-66.

To create a Spell trap as a PC, one must have the Craft Wondrous Item feat, pay the resulting cost, spend the number of days worth the price, know and cast the spell, and so on.

The cost of a magic trap is gold x caster level x spell level + (experience points x caster level x spell level).

Here is my question: When setting the spell, can you adjust your caster level to be lower than it is, such as the RAW for the Brew Potion feat ("When you create a potion, you set the caster level, which must be sufficient to cast the spell in question and no higher than your own level.")?
Because in the Scribe Scroll feat, there is no entry in the RAW stating you may do so, therefore I assume this is something unique to Brewing Potions.

And while the question is on the table, is there an errata that modifies the Scribe Scroll feat to do the same? How about scribing tattoos, and Everything else of the like?

 

[Dandu]

When setting the spell, can you adjust your caster level to be lower than it is, such as the RAW for the Brew Potion feat

Yes, to a minimum of the CL needed to actually cast the spell.

 

[Jimlock]

SRD: You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.

And it applies to scrolls as well because you make scrolls out of the spells you've memorized...

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Thanks for the responses. I had gone a long time assuming one could adjust caster level, than came across the Brew Potion feat and defaulted to the "If there is a RAW that specifically spells something out, then in all other situations this is NOT the case", and operated accordingly.

It's nice to know how much flexibility one can have.

 

[jefgorbach]

the other thing to consider is ANY spell can be included in the trap, so you don't necessarily need to inflict damage ... entanglements, illusions, obstructions, and even buffs/healing are fair game.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

the other thing to consider is ANY spell can be included in the trap, so you don't necessarily need to inflict damage ... entanglements, illusions, obstructions, and even buffs/healing are fair game.

Oh yes. In addition to the Purify Food and Drink trap that will be along my waste disposal system that all my toilets empty into and the different spells I'm toying with to cleanse air of any impurities from chimney smoke, a few tiles of cure spells is just what the doctor ordered in a cozy hidden mansion.

Although unfortunately he didn't get any feedback, Gavinfoxx's thread here has really inspired me to look into all that these spell traps can do.