So my party has just hit level 8. I put my ability point into wisdom and I was given a headband of wisdom (+2) so that my total is 16. I was told that my spells known are equal to my Wisdom Modifier plus the spells given at my level.
At level 8 the chart says I'd have one 1st level and one 2nd level spell.
So with a 16 in wisdom, giving me a +3 modifier I assumed that I would have four 1st level and four 2nd level.
However when I informed the GM what spells I was choosing he told me that I would really only get two in each due to my low wisdom at 16. Am I missing another factor or is he wrong?
you want to look at the ability modifier bonus spells line.
In short, a wis of 12 gives a bonus 1st level spell, a 14 gives a bonus 2nd level, and a 16 gives a bonus 3rd level. Since you don't have 3rd level spells yet that one doesn't come into play yet.
In total you have 1 base +1 bonus level 1 spells,
and 1 base and +1 bonus level 2 spells.
Rathendar and your GM are correct.
Link to said table for convenience.
you want to look at the ability modifier bonus spells line.
In short, a wis of 12 gives a bonus 1st level spell, a 14 gives a bonus 2nd level, and a 16 gives a bonus 3rd level. Since you don't have 3rd level spells yet that one doesn't come into play yet.
In total you have 1 base +1 bonus level 1 spells,
and 1 base and +1 bonus level 2 spells.
That's so stupid though. But okay...