Practised Spellcaster exploit/bug

[wangxiuming]

Omgah! No more polymorph transition crash?!

Oh wait ... I read that wrong. Nvm...

[GodBeastX]

I've already known how to fix the spell scripts so this exploit would go away. The problem? We're adding in even MORE scripts to Sundren from the base library. All those spell scripts now in Sundren's module because of hooking the base library.

I've wanted to hook it for other reasons, like certain classes that add spellcaster levels, having GMs able to cast spells at higher caster level, etc.

But alllll those scripts XD

[Snowmane]

I've already known how to fix the spell scripts so this exploit would go away. The problem? We're adding in even MORE scripts to Sundren from the base library. All those spell scripts now in Sundren's module because of hooking the base library.

That's the reason for steps 7 & 8. If we were to compile the spells and put all them into a HAK, they would not be in the module, they would instead reside in the HAK. Of course any spell scripts which are currently being overridden in the module itself would need to be removed from the module so that they would not override the new spell scripts in the new hak! This could potentially decrease the number of scripts in the module itself, making the "compile all scripts" complete a little faster.

I've wanted to hook it for other reasons, like certain classes that add spellcaster levels, having GMs able to cast spells at higher caster level, etc.

Yeah, using the GetCasterLevelEx function as a hook would allow us to handle these cases. I am sure you saw my Red Wizard pseudo code. Something similar could be done for other classes or class combinations. And for special dm handling, we could add another special case using GetIsDM(oCreature). Of course depending on how much versatility the design requires to expose to the DMs, the interface itself might need to be tweaked.

But alllll those scripts XD

Yeah, like I said it's a bit of work. In my steps I tried to add as much automation as possible, but there is no denying that a lot of scripts would need to be modified.

[Kitsunestume]

Feel free to let me know if you need gruntwork to sort through all those files!

[Doubtful]

I'm going to nudge and sticky this thread as I've seen a talk of using the Practiced Spellcaster feat to push your caster level beyond your HD.

Just to be clear, it is an exploit and it is something we keep an eye out for. Please do not use this feat if you're not planning on taking four levels of non caster classes!

[Daimondheart]

I have an alt that duals between a Sorcerer and a Spirit Shaman and I've taken the practiced spell caster feats on both sides. The intended build is a pure Sorcerer/Shaman/Mystic Theurge. Currently he's level 8 with four in both base classes. Am I unintentionally making use of this bug and what do I need to do to counter it?

[OnyxTigress]

Yes, using that feat with the class mystic theurge is making use of the bug. Because while you are level 8, your spells are being cast as if you are a level 12 caster.

[Mournas]

Yes, using that feat with the class mystic theurge is making use of the bug. Because while you are level 8, your spells are being cast as if you are a level 12 caster.

Not exactly true, as an MT she has to be at least 3/3 before MT. So at level 8 she would be casting at 9/9 for both classes.

[Dispater]

If you have 4 levels of each before 20, you are fine. (Or one level of another class that does not give progression to either)

[Daimondheart]

To clarify, the build is currently 4 Sorcerer/4 Shaman, so I should be fine according to Dispater. First MT level will be at level 9.

[wangxiuming]

I think so! Though, it sounds like a painful build =( You won't get any new spells until Level 19 due to the Mystic Theurge bug ...?

[OnyxTigress]

Are you going to be taking any classes that will cost levels of spellcasting by the time you are level 20? Because if no, then yes practiced spellcaster will put you above your caster level when you reach 20.

[Torgar]

No, it won't onyx. It sounds as if her full build is going to be either 4/6/10, 5/5/10, or 6/4/10 in SS/sorc/theurge respectively, then it will never go above 20 by 20. I'll show the math real fast for those who do not math like I do.

4 SS+ 10 theurge= 14 caster level +4 (practiced caster)=18 at level 20 for spirit shaman
Same math works if you have 4 levels sorc.

6 SS(or sorc)+10 theurge= 16 caster level +4 (practiced caster)=20 at level 20

5 SS(or sorc)+10 theurge= 15 caster level +4(practiced caster)= 19 at level 20

So, going a spontaneous caster, you can NOT achieve higher then a CL of 20 by level 20 in either class. It is not mathematically possible with the spontaneous classes. You can even go simpler then the above math, because she mentions from the start she has 4 levels in each class, which is exactly what the feat is made for. It's not about having levels in a non-spellcasting class, it's about having levels in a class OTHER than the class in which you take the feat for.

So you are good to go, Diamondheart.

[Daimondheart]

Torgar's pretty much got it. The plan for the build with the assumption of eventually reaching level 30 is to make it a 10 Sorcerer/10 Spirit Shama/10 Mystic Theurge. So with practiced spell caster on each side, the final caster level for each class should be 24 Sorcerer and 24 Shaman.

[Firemind]

Is it legal to take the Practiced Spellcaster feat when it will temporarily (for a few levels) give you 1 higher CL than your character level, but will no longer by level 20.

Example: Clc3/Wiz3/MT3 takes Practiced Spellcaster (Cleric) as a level 9 feat, but final build is Clc3/Wiz7/MT10. Cleric effective CL is only 17 at level 20.