Ranger and paladin caster level

[subtledoctor]

Is the caster level penalty hard-coded? I always read that "caster level advancement begins at caster level 1 at the level when this class begins spellcasting (level 8 for rangers, 9 for paladins)" or something like that.

But what if we change the spell tables so that rangers and paladins begin spellcasting at level 5? In this case will a 10th level ranger have a caster level of 6? Or is a 10th level ranger hard-coded to have a caster level of 3, regardless of when they begin spellcasting?

[rivvers]

Yeah, it is hardcoded.
A 10th level ranger hard-coded to have a caster level of 3. Regardless when this class begins spellcasting.
But, you can use CASTINGLEVELBONUSCLERIC #80 to influence the value.

[jmerry]

Why not test it? Modify a spell to have very obvious level-based effects, mod the tables ...

All right. Armor of Faith adjusted to grant 1% magic resistance per level. Paladin and ranger slot tables turned into clones of the cleric table. Start new ToB characters (2.5M XP, paladin/ranger level 16). Memorize AoF. Take off any starting gear and cast the spell.

Level 16 paladin gets 8 MR. Level 16 ranger gets 9 MR.

Yeah, it's hardcoded. With the values likely differing based on the game; if you're playing IWD where paladins and rangers get spells earlier, the caster levels will be higher. Fortunately, priest caster level can be boosted by opcode.