The Gaming Den

Is there a way, core rules, to inflict these other than negative levels?

Not that I can think of anything right now, but when you say "inflict" do you mean "inflict on others" or do you mean "can it happen at all?"?

Either.

Sanctum Spell, I think.

[edit: dunno if that falls under core rules tho]

With Complete Arcane comes the Mage Slayer feat chain, but I don't know of anything core. Maybe Bestow Curse, because "You may also invent your own curse, but it should be no more powerful than those described above." But nothing specific.

Negative Levels are the way to do it. But remember, you can pile up special temporary negativ levels that go away whenever you want just by picking up a holy sword.

-Username17

Okay, this is for a core-rules only contest.

Basically, what I'm trying to do is create a cut-rate version of The Word who uses circle magic for his insanely high caster level instead of multiple reincarnations and Ur-Priest stacking.

Between 9 people in your circle jerk, you can get a +95 to your caster level easy if you find some way to dispel the negative caster levels. Unfortunately, as it stands, you can only gain 18-19 negative levels and then have a total caster level of 76 or 78.

You are thinking small again.

Step 1: Have a Bard sing you extra hit dice.
Step 2: Use a quiver of Holy Arrows (each one grants a negative level).

The idea is that bonus temporary hit dice can allow you to take more bonus temporary negative levels without death.

Heh.

-Username17