Caster levels beyond HD?

[Finite_Fellow]

So I have a CL 17 Wizard and just found an Otherworldly Kimono that has an effect of adding +4 to my caster level. I know that the additional caster levels would not allow me to cast higher level spells if they were available, but does this allow me to cast disintegrate as a full 20d6 or is it still 17d6 because my HD is 17?

[MrCharisma]

It adds +4 to your "caster level checks", not to your "caster level".

OTHERWORLDLY KIMONO wrote:

Embroidered images of cherry blossoms and cranes in flight adorn this blue silk kimono. The wearer can move and reposition these images on the kimono at will. The kimono grants its wearer a +4 resistance bonus on all saving throws and a +4 bonus on all caster level checks.

So if you cast Dispel Magic you get a +4 to the "Caster Level Check" to dispel the effect, but if you cast Disintegrate you don't get +8d6 damage.

Having said that, there are things that increase your caster level, and unless they say otherwise they can increase it above your HD.

[Taja the Barbarian]

MrCharisma wrote:

It adds +4 to your "caster level checks", not to your "caster level".

OTHERWORLDLY KIMONO wrote:

Embroidered images of cherry blossoms and cranes in flight adorn this blue silk kimono. The wearer can move and reposition these images on the kimono at will. The kimono grants its wearer a +4 resistance bonus on all saving throws and a +4 bonus on all caster level checks.

So if you cast Dispel Magic you get a +4 to the "Caster Level Check" to dispel the effect, but if you cast Disintegrate you don't get +8d6 damage.

Having said that, there are things that increase your caster level, and unless they say otherwise they can increase it above your HD.

Correct.

Examples include the 'Bead of Karma' from the Strand of Prayer Beads and the Orange Prism Ioun Stone. There are also numerous Traits that increase your caster level for specific spells like Celestial Contact.

The 'can not exceed your hit dice' limitation only applies if it is explicitly stated (such as with the Bifurcated Magic trait).