I understand that generally a random scroll or wand is supposed to be made at the minimum caster level allowed, but for items in the adventure path (scroll of flaming sphere cl 5th in the catacombs, etc) how does this work?
Does the fact that the text says CL 5th (in this example) increase any of the effects of the spell (duration, save DC, damage)?
Thanks for the help! I am a first time GM and very new at working with magic.
You are correct about the general rule of such magic items.
If the text spells out a higher caster level, however, that means that the item in question casts a more powerful version of the spell.
In your example, the scroll of flaming shpere would create a Flaming Sphere can could be moved around for 5 rounds, whereas such a scroll, if just aquired at the lowest possible caster level (CL 3), would only let the sphere be out for 3 rounds. Furthermore, the scroll has a higher caster level, for the purpose of overcoming spell resistance. And because it is more powerful than a standard scroll of Flaming Sphere, it would also be more expensive on the marketplace: spell level 2 x caster level 5 x 25 gp, for a total of 250gp, instead of the 150gp such a scroll can normally be bought at. This works if the players sell the item as well, with them being able to fetch 125 gp for the scroll, rather than 75gp.
Hope it helps.
-Nearyn
If an item is a scroll, wand, potion, etc. with a higher caster level, then the effect generated is at the higher level. For example, your scroll will last for five rounds instead of 3, and a fireball wand would do additional damage, etc. They also sell for quite a bit more.
A higher caster level means:I understand that generally a random scroll or wand is supposed to be made at the minimum caster level allowed, but for items in the adventure path (scroll of flaming sphere cl 5th in the catacombs, etc) how does this work?
Does the fact that the text says CL 5th (in this example) increase any of the effects of the spell (duration, save DC, damage)?
Thanks for the help! I am a first time GM and very new at working with magic.
- Duration: possibly a longer duration, see spell.
- Save DC: no effect.
- Damage: possibly higher damage, see spell.
- Spell Resistance: higher penetration against SR.
- Dispel: harder to dispel or counter.
/cevah