Question about multi-class caster levels and feats

[Xunal]

Hi there!

Just a bit of a poser. I have a multi-class Sorcerer and Dancing Dervish (Bard Archetype). I was looking at feats for levelling up. In particular Arcane Strike.

The thing is, the damage increases are based on the 'caster levels you posses'. And the prerequisite is being able to cast arcane spells, like sorcerers and bards.

In the case of a feat like this, where both classes in a multiclass meet the prerequisite, would the "caster level" for this feat be the sum of the two different arcane casting classes?

So, if he's, say, level 5/2, would he be treated as level 5 or 7 for the sake of a feat like this?

I realize the spells are class-specific. Just wondering if in a case like this, the levels in a mulit-class stack because more than one class meets the prerequisites.

Thanks!

[Kazumetsa Raijin]

I'm pretty sure the total caster level, since it is asking for a general casting level and not something like "Druid Level" in specific, would be treated as level 7 effectively.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a little rusty on casters.

[Kolokotroni]

They are seperate. Caster level is class specific as is not added together between classes for any reason. A bard 2/Sorceror 2 has a caster level of 2 for the purpose of something like arcane strike.

[ShadowcatX]

First, let me state that this is my opinion based on my understanding of the rules, but I've been out of the rules game for a bit so I could easily be wrong.

And your answer: It depends.

Arcane strike is written oddly in that it refers to caster levels rather than caster level. This opens up two possible RAW readings. I believe the RAI of it was that it should be based off your caster level, which would be 5. However, because English is a funny language it can also be read to be based off your levels of casting classes, which would be 7. However, because pretty much nothing in the game (at least nothing comes to mind) works off of combined caster levels I seriously doubt that this is the RAI.

[MurphysParadox]

Strictly speaking, you don't stack them. You're a caster level 5 sorcerer, caster level 2 bard. You can get feats that boost your caster level up to a maximum of your character level.

As for this feat, it is being a bit vague by saying "caster levels you possess" instead of "pick a arcane spell casting class; this feat is based off levels in that class". I'd allow it to stack for this feat, but not in general.

[Xunal]

I had assumed that it would be whichever class had the higher level. But the vague wording in that feat's description left me scratching my head.

I'll have to talk it over with the Big Boss (the DM) when levelling up.

It would be nice if they stacked, obviously. But if not, oh well. It's not like there's a shortage of feats to choose from.

[Xunal]

I talked to my DM; no stacking in a case like this.

Kind of what it might have been.

Never hurts to check, though, with vague wording.