[3.5] Questions concerning spells...

[Greymane]

Two questions that I can't seem to find the answers to.

1) Can you intentionally cast a spell at a lower caster level?

2) Can spells that do damage, and require a touch attack, crit?

[PId6]

1. Yes.

You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.
Source (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicOverview/castingSpells.htm#casterLevel)

Basically, as long as the caster level you choose is enough to normally cast the spell (at least 5 for Fireball, at least 7 for Dimension Door, etc), you can willingly lower the caster level to whatever you want.

2. Yes, any spell that makes an attack roll can crit if it deals damage (including ability damage) or grants negative levels. They crit only on natural 20s, and do x2 damage. The rules for that are under weaponlike spells in Complete Arcane.

[Greymane]

Thank you, I could not find those to save my life. :smallsigh:

The DM of our home game was telling me I needed a feat to pull off casting at lower caster levels. It made perfect sense to hold back on your powers if you wanted to me...