does 'level' mean class or character level?

[Xavier319]

In accordance with this ability...

When a shadowdancer reaches 3rd level, she can create visual illusions. This ability functions as silent image, using the shadowdancer's level as the caster level. A shadowdancer can use this ability once per day for every two shadowdancer levels she has attained. The DC for this ability is Charisma-based.

Does 'shadowdancer's level' mean character level or class level? if it's class level, that would mean a tenth level shadowdancer is casting greater shadow conjuration at 10th caster level, yes?

[blackbloodtroll]

Shadowcaster levels.

That's how most abilities worded in this manner work.

If not, it would say "character level" or HD, or the similar.

[Dasrak]

When a class feature references your "level", it means your class level unless specifically stated otherwise.

[Lemmy]

It usually means "class levels", although there are a few exception... (Not that I can remember any, right now)

[Sean K Reynolds]

From the intro to the Classes chapter:
"Note that there are a number of effects and prerequisites that rely on a character's level or Hit Dice. Such effects are always based on the total number of levels or Hit Dice a character possesses, not just those from one class. The exception to this is class abilities, most of which are based on the total number of class levels that a character possesses of that particular class."

Context is very important... and without context, it can be confusing. :/

[Xavier319]

cool. just founds it funny that you could cast greater shadow conjuration with only 10th level effective casting. might make for some comically small areas on some of those spells.