From the
SRD:
Quote:
USING ITEMS
To use a magic item, it must be activated, although sometimes activation simply means putting a ring on your finger. Some items, once donned, function constantly. In most cases, using an item requires a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. By contrast, spell completion items are treated like spells in combat and do provoke attacks of opportunity.
Activating a magic item is a standard action unless the item description indicates otherwise. However, the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item, regardless of the type of magic item, unless the item description specifically states otherwise. |
When it says item description that is generally read to mean the specific item description.
The Spell Compendium (pg 4) addresses swift casting time items.
"Activating a spell completion item, activating a spell trigger item, or drinking a potion is a stqandard action even if the spell from which the scroll, potion, or item is made can be cast as a swift action."
Swift actions were not addressed when the
DMG was written.
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