Casting Defensively with CL increasing Feats / Traits

[Vincent The Dark]

Since some feats/traits increase the caster level, is the new caster level used to determine the bonus to casting defensively?

Example, Precocious Spellcaster, Spell Specialization and Mage's Tattoo. That is +4 to the caster level of one spell, so does that translate to casting defensively?

Thanks

[Are]

Yes, assuming the chosen spell is the one you're trying to cast defensively.

[Lifat]

Yup. All the caster level bonuses gives you a bonus to casting defensively unless otherwise specified under the caster level bonus. They will even stack with the feat Combat Casting when it applies.

[Nefreet]

It also helps with overcoming Spell Resistance.

[Lifat]

Yup. That too (but combat casting doesn't, naturally)

[LazarX]

Vincent The Dark wrote:

Since some feats/traits increase the caster level, is the new caster level used to determine the bonus to casting defensively?

Example, Precocious Spellcaster, Spell Specialization and Mage's Tattoo. That is +4 to the caster level of one spell, so does that translate to casting defensively?

Thanks

No... only your true caster level is figured in. The increases you're referring to only impact the effectiveness of the spell. Not on any other aspect of being a spellcaster.

[blahpers]

Yes, it counts for all purposes relating to caster level for that spell.

[Lifat]

LazarX wrote:

Vincent The Dark wrote:

Since some feats/traits increase the caster level, is the new caster level used to determine the bonus to casting defensively?

Example, Precocious Spellcaster, Spell Specialization and Mage's Tattoo. That is +4 to the caster level of one spell, so does that translate to casting defensively?

Thanks

No... only your true caster level is figured in. The increases you're referring to only impact the effectiveness of the spell. Not on any other aspect of being a spellcaster.

Can you give us a quote where the rules state so?

Precocious Spellcaster trait for an example state the following:
Benefit: Select one cantrip and one 1st-level spell; when you cast these spells, they function at one caster level higher than your actual caster level.

Where in this does it state that it doesn't help with piercing spell resistance?

EDIT: OH! Actually "Spell Specialization" specifically says that you count as 2 levels higher for all level-variable effects of the spell. That does seem to imply that this particular feat does NOT help with piercing spell resistance. But that doesn't change anything for "Precocious Spellcaster" because that trait simply states that it increases caster level. "Mage's Tattoo" will also help you with piercing spell resistance because it clearly states an increase in caster level when casting spells from that school.

If you are a wizard that casts a spell that is both the chosen one for Precocious Spellcaster, Mage's tattoo and Spell specialization that means you cast the spell as +3 caster level AND the spell effects such as damage, range and other level-variable effects at +5 your usual level.