Any trick to improve caster level?... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Any trick to improve caster level?... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Shebnar
02-09-05, 12:12 AM Hello everyone,

is there any trick/abuse/anything which let me improve caster level beyond the HD score?
J-A-R-N-O
02-09-05, 01:19 AM How about the Spell power ability of Archmage and Hierophant? Red wizard?

If you are cleric, Bead of Karma and Anch of Ascension (or what ever it's called).

There are many more ways, can't remember now, and don't have my books with me.
thorian
02-09-05, 01:22 AM The orange ioun stone gives +1 caster level.
Lysiander
02-09-05, 04:09 AM Ioun Stone from the DMG gives +1 Casterlevel (as above)
Ring of Arcane Might from CArc. gives +1 Casterlevel
Create Magic Tattoo (PGtF) gives +1 Casterlevel
Prayer Beads from DMG give +4 Divine Casterlevel for 10m/D

Classes with Spellpower (from the top of my head)
Archmage
Heirophant
Red Wizard
Spellguard of Silverymoon

Robe of the Archmage gives +2 Casterlevel vs Spellresistance
Marshall (MiniHB) can add Cha to CL checks vs SR.

Those are all options I know of. Im sure there are more classes with Spellpower tho.
Aramil Liadon
02-09-05, 06:06 AM There's a lot of feats that improve casterlevel for a number of spells

calishite elementalist (PGtF)
spell thematics (PGtF)
cormanthyran moon magic (LEoF)

don't have my books with me, but there a more feats like these

Aramil
werewolf
02-09-05, 07:50 AM Divine Spell Power feat from Complete Divine could net you +4 on your next spell.

Sublime Chord from Complete Arcane could get you a +4 on your next spell, provided you can get a +30 perform check.
Caelic
02-09-05, 10:30 AM A one-level dip into Wild Mage, coupled with the Practiced Spellcaster feat, means that your spells will all be cast at an effective CL 1-6 higher than your Hit Dice.
Judging Eagle
02-09-05, 12:32 PM A one-level dip into Wild Mage, coupled with the Practiced Spellcaster feat, means that your spells will all be cast at an effective CL 1-6 higher than your Hit Dice.

No, Practised Spellcaster adds up to 4 Caster levels, but the added levels are added between your current HD (ie. if you took caster class lvl 1, you have to have at least 5 hd/class lvls to get 5 caster levels, at ECL 4 you only get +3 from the feat, at ECL 3 +2 etc.)
Battousai
02-09-05, 12:40 PM I don't think you understood Caelic's point.

Here's the trick : Wild mage decreases you current caster level by 3. Each time you cast a spell , you add 1d6 to your caster level.
Take Practised Spellcaster , and those 3 lost levels are gained back. Thus you effectively gain 1d6 caster level to all your spell.
Another way to interpret this is that the feat will turn any 1 or 2 on your d6 roll into a 3 , thus having your normal caster level. But if you roll 4,5 or 6 , you have an higher caster level than normal.
thorian
02-09-05, 04:03 PM There is also the combination of Earth Spell (from Races of Stone) and Heighten Spell. The caster level is increased by one for every level you heighten the spell.

As for the Wild Mage trick. There is some debate as to how Practiced Spellcaster should work with it. The 3 caster level loss and the 1d6 gain are all under the ability Wild Magic. Some propose that you take -3+1d6 and then apply the Practiced Spellcaster feat, since the level loss is variable and arises from the same class ability. That way, Practiced Spellcaster only helps you on a roll of 1 or 2 on your wild magic check. This is probably not the place for that debate, however.
Part-Human2
02-09-05, 06:03 PM Probably not what you're looking for, but Bloodlines from UA. A Major Bloodline would cost you 3 HD but the 3 levels spend count when calculating caster levels. This trick is more interesting for Chameleon builds (CL 26 at Level 20 before magic items).
The Thing in the Night
02-09-05, 06:33 PM Wasn't there an Apostle of Peace build awhile back that could theoretically kill Hextor with one Holy Word, because his caster level was well over 60 at level 20? And no, I'm not thinking of the Apostle of Maho, because that one is invalid on so many levels.
DBoot
02-09-05, 08:00 PM If you're playing a Sorceror, Draconic Power gets you a +1 caster level (and +1 to save DCs for matching elemental spells). However, you have to spend two feats (DP and Draconic Heritage) to get it.

One 'fix' for Sorcerors that some DMs seem to like is giving Draconic Heritage at level 1 (instead of Summon Familiar) and one additional Draconic Feat at levels 5, 10, 15, and 20 (Like a Wizard's feats).
Lord Likk
02-09-05, 08:09 PM you can have as many ioun stones as you want. thusly, all you need to do is spend 30,000gp per cl to get as much of a bonus as you desire (after an ankh of ascension, though, since it costs half as much).
Shebnar
02-09-05, 08:32 PM you can have as many ioun stones as you want. thusly, all you need to do is spend 30,000gp per cl to get as much of a bonus as you desire (after an ankh of ascension, though, since it costs half as much).

Are you sure about it, Lord Likk? The +1 caster level from ioun stones is an 'unnamed' bonus, but it comes from the same source, so it shouldn't stack...
Lord Likk
02-09-05, 08:41 PM the dmg mentions nothing about source-based stacking rules. its stacking rules are based on type, as the bonus system for 3e dnd was conceived to be. this does indicate bad writing on the part of any book including an unnamed bonus, but that is all it indicates. i think we may safely say that, at least as far as the core rule books are concerned, any unnamed bonuses are intended to stack with everything and with themselves, considering that the same individuals who wrote these books were the ones who originated the 'bonus type' system.
Lysiander
02-10-05, 12:52 AM As far as core rules are concerned you are correct by the letter, but wizards cleared that up.

From "Rules of the Game", Stacking Part 1
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040120a

Rules Governing Bonuses

The basic rule to remember when combining two or more bonuses is this: two or more bonuses of different type stack, and two or more bonuses of the same type overlap. In general, a bonus's name indicates its type. A bonus with no name has no type and it stacks with any other bonus, but not with itself.

As for Bloodlines. I was under the impression that bloodline levels counted as regular levels? As in 17 classlevels, +3 Bloodline levels = level 20 character? Correct me if im wrong, but wouldn't that mean the best you can get out of it is casterlevel 20?
Part-Human2
02-10-05, 02:30 AM As for Bloodlines. I was under the impression that bloodline levels counted as regular levels? As in 17 classlevels, +3 Bloodline levels = level 20 character? Correct me if im wrong, but wouldn't that mean the best you can get out of it is casterlevel 20?

"Include the character's bloodline level when calculating any character ability based on his class levels..." UA, pg 19

Whatever 7/Chameleon 10/Bloodline 3
= 13 class levels for Chameleon for calculating character abilities based on class level
The Chameleon caster level is twice his class level.
Ulthain
02-10-05, 05:40 AM Most of the obvious ones have already been mentioned but:

Have a bard friend with inspire spellpower and words of creation. He also has access to a spell that increases spellpower further of allied spellcasters (can't remember the name atm).

I love bard sidekicks. :cool:
Lysiander
02-10-05, 08:40 AM The Chameleon caster level is twice his class level. Ah right, now I get it. Though it's debatable wether that works since it says classlevel, that's not to be debated here. I didn't read the chameleon yet and so thought you were excluding the Bloodlines level (as in treating them like a special LA). Thanks for clearing that up.
Nightspirit
02-10-05, 12:14 PM you can have as many ioun stones as you want. thusly, all you need to do is spend 30,000gp per cl to get as much of a bonus as you desire (after an ankh of ascension, though, since it costs half as much).

unnamed bonus from the same source don't stacks

however, you can also create some items +1 cl

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Shebnar 02-09-05, 12:12 AM	Hello everyone, is there any trick/abuse/anything which let me improve caster level beyond the HD score?
J-A-R-N-O 02-09-05, 01:19 AM	How about the Spell power ability of Archmage and Hierophant? Red wizard? If you are cleric, Bead of Karma and Anch of Ascension (or what ever it's called). There are many more ways, can't remember now, and don't have my books with me.
thorian 02-09-05, 01:22 AM	The orange ioun stone gives +1 caster level.
Lysiander 02-09-05, 04:09 AM	Ioun Stone from the DMG gives +1 Casterlevel (as above) Ring of Arcane Might from CArc. gives +1 Casterlevel Create Magic Tattoo (PGtF) gives +1 Casterlevel Prayer Beads from DMG give +4 Divine Casterlevel for 10m/D Classes with Spellpower (from the top of my head) Archmage Heirophant Red Wizard Spellguard of Silverymoon Robe of the Archmage gives +2 Casterlevel vs Spellresistance Marshall (MiniHB) can add Cha to CL checks vs SR. Those are all options I know of. Im sure there are more classes with Spellpower tho.
Aramil Liadon 02-09-05, 06:06 AM	There's a lot of feats that improve casterlevel for a number of spells calishite elementalist (PGtF) spell thematics (PGtF) cormanthyran moon magic (LEoF) don't have my books with me, but there a more feats like these Aramil
werewolf 02-09-05, 07:50 AM	Divine Spell Power feat from Complete Divine could net you +4 on your next spell. Sublime Chord from Complete Arcane could get you a +4 on your next spell, provided you can get a +30 perform check.
Caelic 02-09-05, 10:30 AM	A one-level dip into Wild Mage, coupled with the Practiced Spellcaster feat, means that your spells will all be cast at an effective CL 1-6 higher than your Hit Dice.
Judging Eagle 02-09-05, 12:32 PM	A one-level dip into Wild Mage, coupled with the Practiced Spellcaster feat, means that your spells will all be cast at an effective CL 1-6 higher than your Hit Dice. No, Practised Spellcaster adds up to 4 Caster levels, but the added levels are added between your current HD (ie. if you took caster class lvl 1, you have to have at least 5 hd/class lvls to get 5 caster levels, at ECL 4 you only get +3 from the feat, at ECL 3 +2 etc.)
Battousai 02-09-05, 12:40 PM	I don't think you understood Caelic's point. Here's the trick : Wild mage decreases you current caster level by 3. Each time you cast a spell , you add 1d6 to your caster level. Take Practised Spellcaster , and those 3 lost levels are gained back. Thus you effectively gain 1d6 caster level to all your spell. Another way to interpret this is that the feat will turn any 1 or 2 on your d6 roll into a 3 , thus having your normal caster level. But if you roll 4,5 or 6 , you have an higher caster level than normal.
thorian 02-09-05, 04:03 PM	There is also the combination of Earth Spell (from Races of Stone) and Heighten Spell. The caster level is increased by one for every level you heighten the spell. As for the Wild Mage trick. There is some debate as to how Practiced Spellcaster should work with it. The 3 caster level loss and the 1d6 gain are all under the ability Wild Magic. Some propose that you take -3+1d6 and then apply the Practiced Spellcaster feat, since the level loss is variable and arises from the same class ability. That way, Practiced Spellcaster only helps you on a roll of 1 or 2 on your wild magic check. This is probably not the place for that debate, however.
Part-Human2 02-09-05, 06:03 PM	Probably not what you're looking for, but Bloodlines from UA. A Major Bloodline would cost you 3 HD but the 3 levels spend count when calculating caster levels. This trick is more interesting for Chameleon builds (CL 26 at Level 20 before magic items).
The Thing in the Night 02-09-05, 06:33 PM	Wasn't there an Apostle of Peace build awhile back that could theoretically kill Hextor with one Holy Word, because his caster level was well over 60 at level 20? And no, I'm not thinking of the Apostle of Maho, because that one is invalid on so many levels.
DBoot 02-09-05, 08:00 PM	If you're playing a Sorceror, Draconic Power gets you a +1 caster level (and +1 to save DCs for matching elemental spells). However, you have to spend two feats (DP and Draconic Heritage) to get it. One 'fix' for Sorcerors that some DMs seem to like is giving Draconic Heritage at level 1 (instead of Summon Familiar) and one additional Draconic Feat at levels 5, 10, 15, and 20 (Like a Wizard's feats).
Lord Likk 02-09-05, 08:09 PM	you can have as many ioun stones as you want. thusly, all you need to do is spend 30,000gp per cl to get as much of a bonus as you desire (after an ankh of ascension, though, since it costs half as much).
Shebnar 02-09-05, 08:32 PM	you can have as many ioun stones as you want. thusly, all you need to do is spend 30,000gp per cl to get as much of a bonus as you desire (after an ankh of ascension, though, since it costs half as much). Are you sure about it, Lord Likk? The +1 caster level from ioun stones is an 'unnamed' bonus, but it comes from the same source, so it shouldn't stack...
Lord Likk 02-09-05, 08:41 PM	the dmg mentions nothing about source-based stacking rules. its stacking rules are based on type, as the bonus system for 3e dnd was conceived to be. this does indicate bad writing on the part of any book including an unnamed bonus, but that is all it indicates. i think we may safely say that, at least as far as the core rule books are concerned, any unnamed bonuses are intended to stack with everything and with themselves, considering that the same individuals who wrote these books were the ones who originated the 'bonus type' system.
Lysiander 02-10-05, 12:52 AM	As far as core rules are concerned you are correct by the letter, but wizards cleared that up. From "Rules of the Game", Stacking Part 1 http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040120a Rules Governing Bonuses The basic rule to remember when combining two or more bonuses is this: two or more bonuses of different type stack, and two or more bonuses of the same type overlap. In general, a bonus's name indicates its type. A bonus with no name has no type and it stacks with any other bonus, but not with itself. As for Bloodlines. I was under the impression that bloodline levels counted as regular levels? As in 17 classlevels, +3 Bloodline levels = level 20 character? Correct me if im wrong, but wouldn't that mean the best you can get out of it is casterlevel 20?
Part-Human2 02-10-05, 02:30 AM	As for Bloodlines. I was under the impression that bloodline levels counted as regular levels? As in 17 classlevels, +3 Bloodline levels = level 20 character? Correct me if im wrong, but wouldn't that mean the best you can get out of it is casterlevel 20? "Include the character's bloodline level when calculating any character ability based on his class levels..." UA, pg 19 Whatever 7/Chameleon 10/Bloodline 3 = 13 class levels for Chameleon for calculating character abilities based on class level The Chameleon caster level is twice his class level.
Ulthain 02-10-05, 05:40 AM	Most of the obvious ones have already been mentioned but: Have a bard friend with inspire spellpower and words of creation. He also has access to a spell that increases spellpower further of allied spellcasters (can't remember the name atm). I love bard sidekicks. :cool:
Lysiander 02-10-05, 08:40 AM	The Chameleon caster level is twice his class level. Ah right, now I get it. Though it's debatable wether that works since it says classlevel, that's not to be debated here. I didn't read the chameleon yet and so thought you were excluding the Bloodlines level (as in treating them like a special LA). Thanks for clearing that up.
Nightspirit 02-10-05, 12:14 PM	you can have as many ioun stones as you want. thusly, all you need to do is spend 30,000gp per cl to get as much of a bonus as you desire (after an ankh of ascension, though, since it costs half as much). unnamed bonus from the same source don't stacks however, you can also create some items +1 cl