caster level of potions?

[uberkitty]

We've had a running series of house rules on this subject, but I don't think we ever found a strictly-by-the-rules answer.

How do you determine the effects of potions whose spells depend on caster level? (A potion of Cure Light Wounds, for instance, is d8 plus ... what?)

Should the market price of potions reflect caster level?

 

[da chicken]

The general rule for all magic items is that the caster level for found/purchased magic items is the minimum required to cast the spell. For CLW, thats 1st. This rules is in the DMG, p 178, near the top of the second column.

Also, you are correct that buying a potion at a higher caster level would increase the market price (because it increases the base price). The DMG rules don't allow you to increase the save DC without Heighten Spell.

However, it is unclear exactly what the cost to create or purchase an item for a spell the caster has the domain power "+1 caster level". IMC, this means that a Wand of CLW from the church of Pelor heals 1d8+2 hp per charge but still only costs 750gp (instead of 1500gp). If I remember right, the D&D FAQ gives the exact opposite answer for this question; I happen to disagree with it.

Similarly, saving throws are always based off the minimum possible (10 + spell level + modifier for minimum ability). For a 1st level spell, that's always DC 11: 10 base + 1 spell level + 0 modifier for ability 11. This rule is on DMG p 176.

 

[LordAO]

The caster level is assumed to be the minimum level needed to cast the spell for the class that made it (i.e. a Wizard making a potion of Bull's strength would have a minimum caster level of 3, which is the level he first gains second level spells.) This is only the minimum caster level, howver, it can be as high as the creator's caster level. It just makes it more expensive. The cost of a potion is Spell Level X Caster Level X 50 gp. The potions listed in the book are just assumed to be the minimum level. So if you make a potion of Cure Moderate wounds, it would have a minimum level of 3. So 2 X 3 X 50 = 300 gp and it would heal 2d8 + 3 HPs of damage. If it was 10th caster level it would cost 2 X 10 X 50 = 1000 gp and heal 2d8 + 10 HPs.

 

[fba827]

A potion is the minimum caster level needed to cast the spell - unless otherwise specified.

Thus, in your example, a random potion of cure light wounds found on a shelf is going to be 1d8+1 (since caster level 1 is all that is required of a cleric to cast that spell).

Now, there are some non-standard potions that have different caster levels. Also, it is possible to make a higher level caster level (but no higher than the creator's caster level). The price would be adjusted per the given caster level.

The prices in the DMG for potions assumes minimum caster level.


References:
DMG, Chapter 8: Magic Items. Under "Potions" there is a subheading called Potion Descriptions. Last two sentences of that paragraph basically say what I said above

 

[fba827]

<grin> it's always fun when that happens (and, by "that" I mean, a couple people responding with the same answer and typing it up at the same time)