Caster level checks? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Caster level checks? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
eternus
01-23-05, 03:40 PM I'll preface this by saying, I usually play a more sneaky type more than a caster, but I now have a Warlock in one campaign and a Cleric in another, so...

With the new Arcane Mastery feat and hearing people ooh over it, I wonder just how great it is. How many things do you really need a caster level check for? Is its real benefit in overcoming SR and not having to worry that it might not work?

Most critters with SR going to be coming along after level 10 or so, so it really will give you an automatic 20+ to overcome SR (thats a reasonable generalization right?)

Is 20 enough to beat most? If there is a bigger boon I don't know about, please advise.

I am mostly thinking about the SR beating powers of my Warlock Eldritch Blasts (he is only lvl 2 atm, so no hurry.)

Also, should the DM just be aware and let it override if taking 10 would work, or would I need to pick take 10 vs rolling? Will it always be a crapshoot as to whether I should take 10 or not?
Avihs
01-23-05, 04:00 PM To Quote the PHB:
Ability Checks and Caster Level Checks: The normal take 10 and take 20 rules apply ability checks. Neither rule applies to caster level check (such as when casting dispel magic or attempting to overcome spell resistance).
This feat would also be appropriate for Dispel Magic checks, as well as checks to overcome SR.

In the Case of SR, always start at "taking 10" with this feat against an opponent. That first step will give you and your companions something of a reference point in knowing how effective it's SR is, and whether you spell based attacks are goping to be big "crapshoots" or not.
eternus
01-25-05, 09:11 AM So those are really the 2 solid reasons?

Again, it is reasonable to assume you won't be needing it til you have a caster level around 10+? So you are looking at having a 20+ on your attempts to break through?

I am just trying to warrant a feat for a +2 to caster levels (spell penetration) or the ability to take 10 with Arcane Mastery.
Will Brandiman
01-25-05, 09:31 AM I am just trying to warrant a feat for a +2 to caster levels (spell penetration) or the ability to take 10 with Arcane Mastery. Well taking 10 is the equivalent of losing 2.5% from your chance of penetrating SR (the average on d20 being 10.5). Spell Penetration adds 10% so on that basis Spell Penetration is a clear winner. But that ignores the vagaries of the dice. The ability to take 10 is very useful against creatures with low SR but useless against creatures with high SR. Spell Penetration remains useful against all SR foes (unless their SR is unbeatable by you).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
eternus 01-23-05, 03:40 PM	I'll preface this by saying, I usually play a more sneaky type more than a caster, but I now have a Warlock in one campaign and a Cleric in another, so... With the new Arcane Mastery feat and hearing people ooh over it, I wonder just how great it is. How many things do you really need a caster level check for? Is its real benefit in overcoming SR and not having to worry that it might not work? Most critters with SR going to be coming along after level 10 or so, so it really will give you an automatic 20+ to overcome SR (thats a reasonable generalization right?) Is 20 enough to beat most? If there is a bigger boon I don't know about, please advise. I am mostly thinking about the SR beating powers of my Warlock Eldritch Blasts (he is only lvl 2 atm, so no hurry.) Also, should the DM just be aware and let it override if taking 10 would work, or would I need to pick take 10 vs rolling? Will it always be a crapshoot as to whether I should take 10 or not?
Avihs 01-23-05, 04:00 PM	To Quote the PHB: Ability Checks and Caster Level Checks: The normal take 10 and take 20 rules apply ability checks. Neither rule applies to caster level check (such as when casting dispel magic or attempting to overcome spell resistance). This feat would also be appropriate for Dispel Magic checks, as well as checks to overcome SR. In the Case of SR, always start at "taking 10" with this feat against an opponent. That first step will give you and your companions something of a reference point in knowing how effective it's SR is, and whether you spell based attacks are goping to be big "crapshoots" or not.
eternus 01-25-05, 09:11 AM	So those are really the 2 solid reasons? Again, it is reasonable to assume you won't be needing it til you have a caster level around 10+? So you are looking at having a 20+ on your attempts to break through? I am just trying to warrant a feat for a +2 to caster levels (spell penetration) or the ability to take 10 with Arcane Mastery.
Will Brandiman 01-25-05, 09:31 AM	I am just trying to warrant a feat for a +2 to caster levels (spell penetration) or the ability to take 10 with Arcane Mastery. Well taking 10 is the equivalent of losing 2.5% from your chance of penetrating SR (the average on d20 being 10.5). Spell Penetration adds 10% so on that basis Spell Penetration is a clear winner. But that ignores the vagaries of the dice. The ability to take 10 is very useful against creatures with low SR but useless against creatures with high SR. Spell Penetration remains useful against all SR foes (unless their SR is unbeatable by you).