I understand all that. The thing is, what about those items where caster level doesn't do anything, such as Bracers of Armor? The difference between Bracers of Armor +1 at CL 7 and Bracers of Armor +1 at CL 20 is negligible. In fact, the only differences are for dispel magic, detect magic, and saving throws of the item if unattended or in the hands of someone with poor saves. In addition, for this item (and most others), caster level isn't even a factor in the cost! (Bracers of Armor is "bonus squared x 1000, period!) So how would changing the CL change the price? It wouldn't!
Artoomis said:
I just do not know how much clearer this could be :
The two paragraphs are one right after another, just as posted here. It's pretty clear that you to create an item you meet both of the following:
Caster Level.
Prerequisites.
For further evidence, note that "prerequisites may effectively put a higher minimum on the creator’s level," which differentiates between caster level and prerequisites. This phrase also further supports that there is a minimum caster level seperate from the prerequisites.
Mind you, I'm just reporting it as written in the new rules. I am not commenting on designer's intent here. There really is not way to reasonbaly read the two paragraphs together and conclude that the listed caster level for "other" magic items is not a requirement.
If WotC representatives wish to state that this is not the rule it would require errata.
I know that, but my point is that it's stupid and makes no sense! Why would you have to be Level 7 to make Bracers of Armor +1, an essential item for low-level wizards and sorcerers? How about the fact that by Level 7, you can make up to +3 easily, defeating the purpose of +1? See what I mean?
It does appear, however, that this is indeed a mistake once again . . . Here is the OFFICIAL ruling from WotC themselves (NOT Monte or anyone else who may be working independently, but rather straight from WotC):
-- Can you clarify if Magic Item Caster Level's listed in the DMG are pre-requisites to creating these items???
They are not prerequisits. _They are the caster level at which the items are typically found. _This value can vary.
So it seems that despite the wording, the book is still wrong. Will they EVER fix this???