Spell Resistance and Caster Levels

[Hawklord]

Help me out here guys !

To beat a creature's Spell resistance you have to make a caster level check. This is a d20 plus your spellcaster level.

So far so good!

Now a Rogue using Use Magic Device to use a scroll or a wand doesn't have a spellcaster level. Does he use the caster level of the magic item or just roll a d20 plus zero (his effective spellcaster level)?

I can't find anywhere in the RAW that clarifies this and I'd be grateful for any pointers.

many thanks,

jim

 

[Jdvn1]

I believe it's the caster level of the item.

 

[glass]

I believe it's the caster level of the item.

I concur.


glass.

 

[Diirk]

I believe it's the caster level of the item.

Yes, scrolls, wands and potions have a set caster level for use with regards to spell effects (eg how many missiles your magic missile gets), spell resistance penetration rolls, dispel checks etc. Staffs also have a set caster level, with the caveat that you can substitute your own caster level instead if its higher. Rogues don't have a caster level tho, so they'd just use the staff's caster level if they activated it with UMD.

 

[delericho]

Now a Rogue using Use Magic Device to use a scroll or a wand doesn't have a spellcaster level. Does he use the caster level of the magic item or just roll a d20 plus zero (his effective spellcaster level)?

As others have pointed out, you use the caster level of the item. Note that this applies whether it's a Rogue with Use Magic Device or a Wizard or Sorcerer, or whatever. The only exception is with Staffs which, as was also pointed out, use their own caster level or the user's, whichever is higher.