Simple RAW Thread for 3.5 #35: 3/2 Score And Four Threads Ago

[Twurps]

Q 681

An Archivist takes a prestige class granting a bonus domain (likely Contemplative) at high level, thus gaining the special power of said domain.

Having no cleric levels, if said special power is level-dependent (for example, the Magic domain), what levels are used for the calculation? Are those Archivist levels (to which the spellcasting advancement of Contemplative is granted), Contemplative levels, or both?

A 681: The archivist class doesn't have any language stating the levels 'count as' or 'stack with' cleric levels for the purpose of domain powers. So those don't count.
The contemplative PRC doesn't have any language like this either. so that's another no. (Which would also mean contemplative doesn't increase your cleric level for domain powers even if you enter it as a cleric and use it to progress cleric casting)

So both don't count. your effective cleric level for the magic domain's domain power would be '1' as that's the minimum stated by the power itself.