Quick casting question...

[rickynumber24]

All spells refer (for effective power) to "caster level", and I'm a little fuzzy on how it is calculated. I guessed from indications by certain spell-like abilities that it's a function of the casting stat (i.e. int-5 or wis-5p; especially when it seems like spells do 0 damage when cast with a stat of 5) but a comment about scrolls of magic item working like spells confused me. So, how is caster level for each of the following determined? (guesses in parentheses)

int casting (int-5)
wis casting (wis-5)
crystal/rod casting (character level?)

[grindorin]

You have guessed right for int casting and wis casting. I have not used rods/crystals in a long time (I tend to prefer more melee-like characters) and am not sure, but I believe they are based on Rods skill instead of one of the primary stats.

[Variaz]

And grindorin is correct, rods are indeed based on the Rods skill.

[rickynumber24]

so does that mean it's...

damage = (rods-5) * (power+rods)

... because the documentation says that rods adds to the power of a crystal, or is it...

damage = power*rods

... because the docs are confusingly written?

(As a side note crystals don't seem to deplete charges even as low as, say 5 rods ability.)

[Variaz]

The formula is:

damage = (crystal's power) * (Rods + 1)

And then Spellcraft is applied if you have any points in it.

[rickynumber24]

Cool! Thanks.

... now to try to get a character with agility's quick swap and crystals, assuming I don't die too early.