Loremaster: gain caster level?

[Ianuagonde]

So, the Wizard character in my group has been preparing for entry into the Loremaster prestige class, and now we're unclear whether or not it adds to caster level.

SRD
When a new loremaster level is gained, the character gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if she had also gained a level in a spellcasting class she belonged to before she added the prestige class. She does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. This essentially means that she adds the level of loremaster to the level of some other spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly

So, first is says you gain spells per day and spells known, and nothing else. The SRD then concludes that you add Loremaster levels to earlier levels to determine spells per day, spells known and caster level. Which is it?

If context is needed: I know the player will be happy with the caster level boost, but she won't overpower the rest of the group. Play is pretty low-op, and the Wizard spends most of the time bragging about his knowledge and Fireballing enemies (at level 7). The rest of the group consists of a human Warlock going for Hellfire Warlock, a human Knight (shield-basher), and an elven Bard who has 101 uses for Silent Image, and spends most combats Inspiring Courage and shooting arrows.

[ngilop]

Yes it ads to caster level.

the text is very clear that it adds to spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly.

You have to read the entire paragraph not just the first and last sentance. that is where you confusion is coming from.

[Chronos]

Most casting prestige classes have this problem in some form or another. Most people don't even notice it, though, so almost everyone just plays that they advance all three of spells per day, spells known, and caster level.

[TuggyNE]

So, the Wizard character in my group has been preparing for entry into the Loremaster prestige class, and now we're unclear whether or not it adds to caster level.

Unlike the Archmage's dysfunctional wording, there is no problem here: it does.

So, first is says you gain spells per day and spells known, and nothing else. The SRD then concludes that you add Loremaster levels to earlier levels to determine spells per day, spells known and caster level. Which is it?

The latter, of course. It clarifies the earlier rules, which do not really handle the question very specifically. (Nothing says right out "you don't add caster level"; the closest is "nothing except the listed benefits are included", but since CL is then appended to the list of included benefits that makes no difference.)

[zingbobco000]

I mean loremaster is the 10 level full advance PrC so I think it would make sense for it to be full advance. As in SK, SPD, and CL.