Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Larcen" data-source="post: 249682" data-attributes="member: 2406">I just ran across this little gem while browsing the magical item list in the SRD.  (Don't tell my DM.)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Candle of InvocationEach of these specially blessed tapers is dedicated to one of the nine alignments. Simply burning the candle generates a favorable aura for the individual so doing if the candle's alignment matches that of the character. Characters of the same alignment as the burning candle add a +2 morale bonus to attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks while within 30 feet of the flame.A cleric whose alignment matches the candle's operates as if 2 levels higher for purposes of determining spells per day if he burns the candle during or just prior to his spell preparation time. He can even cast spells normally unavailable to him, as if he were of that higher level, but only so long as the candle continues to burn. Except in special cases (see below), the candle burns for 4 hours.In addition, burning the candle also allows the owner to cast a gate spell, the respondent being of the same alignment as the candle, but the taper is immediately consumed in the process. It is possible to extinguish the candle simply by blowing it out, so users often place it in a lantern to protect it from drafts and the like. Doing this doesn't interfere with its magical properties.Caster Level: 17th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, gate, creator must be same alignment as candle created; Market Price: 7,800 gp; Weight: 1/2 lb.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unless I am misreading this thing, this has to be one of the best uses for a mere 7,800 GPs a cleric can find.  I mean, an item that allows you to cast spells as if you were two levels higher, including getting a higher level spell slot?!  More spells per day.  Higher level spells.  And a couple of other "minor" abilities like getting +2 on most things...and oh yeah....a GATE if you should ever need it.  WOW.  Why don't all clerics have these things?      Obviously, the limiting factor of this item is that is has a duration before it becomes useless.  This makes it very important to keep track of the time that it is in use.  So, here then is my question.  How long does the candle have to be lit BEFORE the spell preparation time?  If the description above had simply said "during" spell preparation, then we know that you would have to light it for an hour, ultimately getting only 4 uses out of a brand new candle.  But the description says "just prior to".  What the heck does that mean?  Logically, if I lit the thing for a mere second, then snuffed it out, and then started preparing spells, wouldn't that qualify as lighting it "just prior to"?   In which case I could get a LOT of uses out of it.Now I know that you can only use the higher level spells while the candle burns, but think of all the great buffing/utility/metamagic spells you can cast with just a short burning of the candle every morning.Another thing:  Does the +2 bonus cleric levels help with SR penetration?  It doesn't say.  So, "NO"?Another another thing:  The way it's worded, couldn't you use the candle for 3 hours, 59 minutes, and THEN "immediately consume" the candle for that Gate?  In other words, the Gate ability does not say how much of the candle needs to be unused for the ability to kick in.  Seems like it's the best use for an almost-spent candle then.Anyway, I'm going to buy a few of these things (along with Pearls of Power) before my DM starts banning them...</blockquote>

Verification