Post/Author/DateTime	Post
LordOwl 11-09-06, 07:50 AM	Sorry if this was asked several times already. Lack of a search function makes looking for this difficult... Ok, here it is. The SRD says: "For potions, scrolls, and wands, the creator can set the caster level of an item at any number high enough to cast the stored spell and not higher than her own caster level. For other magic items, the caster level is determined by the item itself. In this case, the creator’s caster level must be as high as the item’s caster level (and prerequisites may effectively put a higher minimum on the creator’s level)." The official FAQ says: "Unless stated specifically, items never have a minimum caster level as prerequisite (...). A 3rd level wizard with Craft Magic Item could create a harp of charming (...), as long he had access to the suggestion spell during creation (...)." Take note that the harp of charming has a CL of 5. So, does the creator spellcaster need to have 5th caster level or not? SRD and FAQ don't s match here I believe.
The_Ditto 11-09-06, 07:56 AM	There's no discrepency because of this line: "Unless stated specifically" So if it tells you what the CL is ... then that's what the caster level is .. If it doesn't tell you what the CL is .. then it's the minimum needed .. The rule is there to - basically - simplify the rules in regards to items that are "built off-screen" by NPCs ... (ie the PCs find a wand of Fireballs ... what CL is it? Minimum = 5 ...) ... however, if the PCs made a wand of Fireballs, they could opt to create one at 9th level CL ...
runestar 11-09-06, 08:11 AM	So, does the creator spellcaster need to have 5th caster level or not? SRD and FAQ don't s match here I believe. I think what he means is that there is no minimum lv of the spellcaster. You just must be able to cast said spell to create the item, and that is what actually determines the caster lv of the magic item. For example, a wiz5 with the craft wand feat could craft a wand of enervation, using scrolls of enervation to supply the casting of enervation needed for the creation of said wand, even though he cannot normally cast said spell.:)
Forged_Fury 11-09-06, 08:37 AM	You need to use a better version of the SRD. My preferred choice is www.d20srd.org, as they have updated the material with official errata. Had you checked there, you would have found WotC errated the text you are looking at as follows: Caster Level Dungeon Master’s Guide, page 215 Problem: The last two sentences in the section on Caster Level are ambiguous and potentially misleading. Solution: Replace with this text: For other magic items, the caster level is determined by the creator. The minimum caster level is that which is needed to meet the prerequisites given.
risner 11-09-06, 09:08 AM	Lack of a search function makes looking for this difficult... Take note that the harp of charming has a CL of 5. So, does the creator spellcaster need to have 5th caster level or not? SRD and FAQ don't s match here I believe. Use the search next time www.google.com site:wizards.com The CL listed in items are hints. You can make items with lower or higher caster levels. If the item has a "caster level" listed in the pre-req sections (in addition to the CL listed), then this is a minimum requirement. The creator does not need to be 5th level (he would need to be a minimum of 3rd due to Craft Wondrous Feat minimum.) The creator does need to supply suggestion (a 3rd level spell for Wizards) by someone or something (scroll) each day during the construction of the item.
LordOwl 11-09-06, 10:31 AM	Thanks! Quite a few answers, even if not all go with the same consens ;). Most helpful was the hint for the other, better maintenanced SRD site. It makes this particular problem go away.
Nom 11-09-06, 06:54 PM	There are some (myself included) who think that the FAQ is in error, in that "The minimum caster level is that which is needed to meet the prerequisites given" implies that a prerequisite spell with a minimum caster level of 5 (eg level 3 sor/wiz suggestion) requires the item to have a minimum caster level of 5 also. It explicitly works like this for wands, potions and scrolls; for other items, both DMG pg 285 and both the pre- and post-errata versions of DMG pg 215 and the Rules of the Game article on caster level (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20050111a) are consistent with this ruling.
risner 11-11-06, 11:37 AM	prerequisite spell with a minimum caster level of 5 (eg level 3 sor/wiz suggestion) requires the item to have a minimum caster level of 5 also. Bad example, as the minimum caster level for Suggestion is 3 (Bard 2nd level spell.)
Nom 11-11-06, 12:40 PM	Bad example, as the minimum caster level for Suggestion is 3 (Bard 2nd level spell.)(1) 4, actually. (2) That's why I specified using the sor/wiz version as a pre-req. Yes, this does mean that some items can have different minimum CLs depending on who provides the pre-requisite spell.
risner 11-11-06, 07:42 PM	(1) 4, actually. /yay me for my bard cluelessness.