[D&D3.5] Wizard levels stacking with prestige classes

[Wolfspider]

So, if a wizard takes levels in a prestige class that adds to his caster level, do these additional levels stack with the wizard levels to determine the power of the wizard's familiar or whether he can obtain a certain Item Creation feat? I know that the wizard wouldn't receive extra wizard class features (feats, etc.) based on these prestige levels, but what about these other two things?

For example, a fighter 3/wizard 5/eldritch knight 7 casts spells as an 11th level wizard. Would he look under 11th level when determining the powers of his familiar? Is he ever cursed to make potions and scrolls or will he be able to craft rings and staves in just one more level?

Thanks.

[C.W.Richeson]

Item creation feats check caster level, that very thing that increases with the prestige class. So while he wont get the bonus feats, he will have the option of taking greater creation feats.

Familiar is based entirely on Wizard level (or the combined level of any classes that grant a familiar).

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/classes/sorcererWizard.htm#familiars

[jhudsui]

So, if a wizard takes levels in a prestige class that adds to his caster level, do these additional levels stack with the wizard levels to determine the power of the wizard's familiar or whether he can obtain a certain Item Creation feat? I know that the wizard wouldn't receive extra wizard class features (feats, etc.) based on these prestige levels, but what about these other two things?

For example, a fighter 3/wizard 5/eldritch knight 7 casts spells as an 11th level wizard. Would he look under 11th level when determining the powers of his familiar? Is he ever cursed to make potions and scrolls or will he be able to craft rings and staves in just one more level?


Read the relevant rules and they're usually pretty clear about whether something is based on character level, class level or caster level.

The prerequisites for the Item Creation feats are given in terms of "caster level". So yes, prestige classes that increase your spellcasting increase your access to them. The table for familiar powers says "class level", so no, gaining levels in a prestige class doesn't power up your familiar unless the class specifically states its levels stack for this purpose.

[RSC]

So, if a wizard takes levels in a prestige class that adds to his caster level, do these additional levels stack with the wizard levels to determine the power of the wizard's familiar or whether he can obtain a certain Item Creation feat? I know that the wizard wouldn't receive extra wizard class features (feats, etc.) based on these prestige levels, but what about these other two things?
Familiar? No. Familiar abilities are a wizard/Sorc class feature and have nothing to do with caster level.
Qualifying for feats? Depends on what the feat says. If it's caster level, like the creation feats are, then yes.

[Wolfspider]

Thanks! Upon rereading the book, it does seem pretty clear. Somehow didn't see that "caster level" reference under Item creation.

Thanks again!