Wizard Class Ability

[Tyrael AE]

I assume I am correct in this matter but want some reassurance from my fellow gamers.

The Wizard class offers additional abilities at level 8, depending on what Spell School Specialization you select. However I assume should a player take a prestige class, even one that raises their arcane spellcasting level, they will not receive the level 8 ability until they reach specifically "Level 8 Wizard".

Opinions?

[spalding]

You have the right of it. The level 8 abilities are level 8 class abilities, not caster level 8 abilities.

[Jiggy]

Correct, prestige classes that raise your effective spellcasting level only affect your spells per day, spells known (if a spontaneous caster) and caster level. In no other way are you considered any higher of a level in your original casting class. In the case of a wizard, not only will you not get any closer to level-based class features, but you won't even get your two free spells per level added into your spellbook.

This is why with my Eldritch Knight, after hitting Fighter1/Wizard5/EK2, I took my next level as Wizard6, so I could get a couple of new 4th level spells added to my book for free.

[Are]

That's correct, unless the prestige class specifically says it stacks with wizard levels for the purpose of school powers (I'm not sure if any such class exists).

[Tyrael AE]

Wonderful, thanks everyone. I appreciate the confirmation

[LazarX]

When you exit a class you do not progress in class abilities unless specifically given for that ability, such as the raise in caster level spells/day.

[Zog of Deadwood]

Jiggy wrote:

Correct, prestige classes that raise your effective spellcasting level only affect your spells per day, spells known (if a spontaneous caster) and caster level. In no other way are you considered any higher of a level in your original casting class. In the case of a wizard, not only will you not get any closer to level-based class features, but you won't even get your two free spells per level added into your spellbook.

This is why with my Eldritch Knight, after hitting Fighter1/Wizard5/EK2, I took my next level as Wizard6, so I could get a couple of new 4th level spells added to my book for free.

As to the "no other way" thing you mention, I believe your Eldritch Knight's Diverse Training class ability gained at 1st level would allow the character to more easily qualify for the level-dependent Wizard class Arcane Discovery feats listed in Ultimate Magic. Not a big deal for many EKs, perhaps, but it is something.