Level Advancement Sequence

[NunoM]

The feat "Arcane Strike" (Complete Warrior p.96) requires the ability to cast 3rd level arcane spells, and BAB +4.

Now here's a situation:
Imagine a Duskblade that took 3 levels from a PrC before 12th level and he's now Duskblade 8/XXX 3 (CL 11). The character has now gained enough XP to make it to level 12 and wants to take the feat "Arcane Strike". Can he do it?

The BAB is not a question, of course, and besides, according to the level advancement sequence in PHB p.58, BAB is the 2nd "perk" to be gained, right after choosing the class.
As a 9th level Duskblade, the character will gain the ability to cast 3rd level spells, however, in the level advancement sequence, Spells are just after the Feats, so...

How do you guys see this?

[kurashu]

I've always done feats last in my leveling sequence, they're on the back page. In fact, I never knew there was an official leveling sequence or if I did, I've always been, "Well, that's nice but ignore."

In any rate, by virtue of your levels, you can cast 3rd level spells. It doesn't matter if you've picked them (or even if you picked ANY 3rd level spells). You'd qualify for the feat.

[phaedrusxy]

I agree. By virtue of having the appropriate class levels and ability score, you have the ability to cast spells of the level required, whether you know any or not.

[kitep]

I believe you can do it.

In the PHB, the Druid example takes the feat Scribe Scroll.  Scribe Scroll has the pre-req "caster level 1st"  The ability to cast spells is under "class features", which actually comes after "spells" in the level-up guide.

Ditto with the example cleric.

[NunoM]

Thank you all for your answers!

This:

In the PHB, the Druid example takes the feat Scribe Scroll.  Scribe Scroll has the pre-req "caster level 1st"  The ability to cast spells is under "class features", which actually comes after "spells" in the level-up guide.

Ditto with the example cleric.

... closed the deal, IMO