Magical Knack
Benefit: Pick a class when you gain this trait—your caster level in that class gains a +2 trait bonus as long as this bonus doesn’t increase your caster level higher than your current Hit Dice.
This came up last night. RAW, you could say that if you were running a spellcaster with only a single level in a non-casting class then the trait would never apply.
Has there been any clarification or errata?
The trait is basically for multiclassing. If you are not multiclassing then it does you no good. In short it works as advertised.
The trait is basically for multiclassing. If you are not multiclassing then it does you no good. In short it works as advertised.
So if you are a 5th level Wizard/1st level Fighter you gain no benefit from the trait because its not, uh... multi-classing enough?
In my opinion, you'd get the +1. I also feel this is RAI, too.
(This probably doesn't help!!)
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The trait is basically for multiclassing. If you are not multiclassing then it does you no good. In short it works as advertised.So if you are a 5th level Wizard/1st level Fighter you gain no benefit from the trait because its not, uh... multi-classing enough?
I'm pretty sure the trait works for up to +2, so if you only have one class level in Fighter you would have an effective caster level of 6th level Wizard. Then it would allow you to add one more multiclass and get your full +2.
I'm not an expert but that's what I have ruled for that trait.
The trait is basically for multiclassing. If you are not multiclassing then it does you no good. In short it works as advertised.So if you are a 5th level Wizard/1st level Fighter you gain no benefit from the trait because its not, uh... multi-classing enough?I'm pretty sure the trait works for up to +2, so if you only have one class level in Fighter you would have an effective caster level of 6th level Wizard. Then it would allow you to add one more multiclass and get your full +2.
I'm not an expert but that's what I have ruled for that trait.
BOLDED Emphases is mine
Magical Knack: You were raised, either wholly or in part, by a magical creature, either after it found you abandoned in the woods or because your parents often left you in the care of a magical minion. This constant exposure to magic has made its mysteries easy for you to understand, even when you turn your mind to other devotions and tasks. Pick a class when you gain this trait—your caster level in that class gains a +2 trait bonus as long as this bonus doesn't raise your caster level above your current Hit Dice.
the caster level in the example would be 5, the trait raises it to 6. that is not above the current hit dice.
The trait is basically for multiclassing. If you are not multiclassing then it does you no good. In short it works as advertised.So if you are a 5th level Wizard/1st level Fighter you gain no benefit from the trait because its not, uh... multi-classing enough?
You would get 1 caster level from it, but not 2. It is not the only ability that works like that. Boon Companion does the same thing except it is for animal companions and familiars.
The ability says you can go over your HD. It does not say all or nothing.
I see your point. I guess it should have read "your caster level in that class increases with a bonus to match your HD, but this trait can never give you a bonus that is higher than +2"
As for intent I remember James Jacobs speaking on this.
If you're a wizard 8/fighter 2 and you apply an orange ioun stone, you get wizard CL 9th.
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This speaks to the importance of making an effort to undetstand the spirit of the rule. It's clear that the intent is to provide a maximum bonus of up to +2, so long as you don't exceed you current HD.
As for the Wizard 5/Fighter 1 - allowing a caster level of 6 passes the sniff test: it doesn't reek of cheese.
It's not just for multi-classing though. Magical Knack is almost a must have for my Ranger characters.
I never thought about that Daryl. I guess that is because my rangers almost never have to deal with caster level checks, even though it is nice to boost the duration of spells.
Not just multiclassing.
Pretty good for rangers and paladins who want to have a few more CLs.