Class and Level Geekery XI - Can Now Argue Three Times Per Page

[RMS Oceanic]

While I don't believe he realizes it, Zimmerman already shot that down:



"Though on the plus side, the rejuvenating effects of the Soul Splice will allow you to start with all spell slots fully replenished."

We know that V's body was "rejuvenated" to full HP this time. The Soul Splice rejuvenation took less than 20 minutes, and didn't involve V looking at her spell book, or resting.

So, we know that the IFCC can do it, and the restoration of health (that was not promised) shows that V gets benefits from the grab that weren't explained before hand.

So unless you have a good story about how V picked up an extra bit of Int, and an extra level, without anyone really noticing, I'd say the "IFCC refills" is the best explanation.

The thing is, you're assuming a homebrewed effect to justify the lower level. Yes, there exists a homebrewed effect that does what you're describing, but there's no evidence that it was used on this occasion.

And people have been gaining stats/levels "without anyone noticing" for a while. There was no pomp and circumstance when V revealed Power Word Stun: Until that time we still believed they were level 14.

Also also, the extra int and level can be explained hand in hand: Upon reaching level 16 (and any multiple of 4), you can raise one of your ability scores by one. So going from Level 15/Int 23 to Level 16/Int 24 is perfectly acceptable.