C++: Why does my DerivedClass's constructor not have access to the BaseClass's protected field?

Question

I have a constructor attempting to initialize a field in a base class. The compiler complains. The field is protected, so derived classes should have access.

Answer 1

Initializer lists can only be used to initialize fields which are owned by the type in question. It is not legal to initialize base class fields in an initializer lists which is why you receive this error. The field is otherwise accessible within DerivedClass