Post/Author/DateTime	Post
selenasol 06-10-04, 09:10 PM	When you "purchase" a scroll or a potion, what is the Caster Level (to determine duration and other effects of the spell)?
DragonWatcher 06-10-04, 10:01 PM	It is generally assumed that the caster level for such items are the minimum necessary to create such items. This usually means that it is either the minimum level required to cast the spell contained in the potion or scroll, or the minimum level to get the appropriate item creation feat. Items could be made at a higher caster level, but that usually affects price (and is usually only done in my setting on a special order basis). :D
Lord Psynister 06-10-04, 11:17 PM	Originally posted by DragonWatcher It is generally assumed that the caster level for such items are the minimum necessary to create such items. This usually means that it is either the minimum level required to cast the spell contained in the potion or scroll, or the minimum level to get the appropriate item creation feat. (emphasis mine) This is something that's come up a few times in the last few days, that's not true. The level you need to get the appropriate feat is never used in the creation of magical items. Just because you can't take Craft Wondrous Item or Brew Potion until level 3 doesn't mean that you can't create an item at caster level 1. The minimum caster level require to cast the spell is what is used, not the minimum level to take a feat. The rest of what DW posted there is correct. In general, the caster level for items that you buy is the minimum to cast the spell. But, when the items are created, whoever makes them has the option of creating them at any level less than or equal to his own. So while it is possible to create a potion of a level 1 spell at caster level 20, you're not "generally" going to find one at the local magic shop. Also note that if you want a higher caster level than the minimum, the price of the item is going to jump with each caster level increase.
Lord Psynister 06-10-04, 11:27 PM	Some more proof, just in case it's needed. 3.5 SRD Single use, use-activated Spell level x caster level x 50 gp Potion of cure light wounds And 3.5 SRD Cure light wounds (potion) 50 gp Look at the 2 examples there. Brew Potion is a 3rd level feat. If you couldn't go below the level required to take the feat, then you wouldn't be able to buy a Potion of CLW for 50 gp, it would cost: 1 x 3 x 50 = 150 gp 150 gp just for 1d8 worth of healing. Or rather 1d8+3 since it was created at a caster level of 3.
Ehelonna 06-11-04, 12:35 AM	The actual level will be determined by minimum level to cast the spell... but up to the maximum level of the creator. There is a good reason to make a scroll or wand of magic missile at CL9. It is 9x as a similar item at CL1, but it is far more useful. You should never find a scroll of magic missile at CL 15 because that does no more than the CL9 wand. You might note that the random magic items in the DMG does include some items at a CL above the minimum, but most items are at their minimum caster level.
Edward 06-11-04, 12:59 AM	There are a few items that are commonly created at hire caster levels than the minimum. These are spells with strong caster level dependant effects such as fireball or magic missile. It is almost unheard-of to find an item of a cure spell at a caster level hire than the min and if you asked for example for a wand of CMW CLVL 7 you would be laughed at because a wand co CSW CLVL 5 is both cheaper and more effective. Edward
flyingmoose 06-11-04, 03:42 AM	The minimum caster level for a cleric, druid, or wizard spell is (spell level * 2) - 1. The minimum caster level for a sorcerer spell is spell level * 2 (except 1st is still CL 1). The minimum caster level for a bard spell is (spell level * 3) - 2. The minimum caster levels for paladin, ranger, and hexblade spells are as follows: 1st - CL 4 2nd - CL 8 3rd - CL 11 4th - CL 14 I like specifics.