Cube of Force

[Lord Judas]

I have some questions about how the Cube works, and the book (DMG 3.5) is not clear on a few points. The book does not state how long it takes for the Cube to activate or what kind of action it takes to start it. For example, let's say the bad guy is a wizard, and he has a CoF. If activating/deactivating it is a Free Action, and the field is "instant", could he deactivate the field before his turn, drop a nasty spell, then bring it back up before anyone can react? If so, the Cube is a powerful item indeed!

I was thinking that maybe it the field could be dropped instantly, but if it's reactivated it will not go into effect till the end of the round. Any ideas?

 

[shilsen]

Since you have to press one face of the cube to activate or deactivate it, I'd say it's a standard action.

 

[nhl_1997]

Activating the item should be a standard action. Activating a command word item is a standard action unless the item specifically states otherwise.

The cube of force description states that activation and deactivation is done by pressing a button. From that description, it's at least reasonable (and perhaps even correct) to say that a move action is necessary. If that's the case, then the user could deactivate the cube, cast a quickened spell, then reactivate it.

 

[the Jester]

I'd say it's a standard action to activate or deactivate the cube. That's how I play it in the game I'm in where my pc has one.

 

[Droid101]

Activating the item should be a standard action.

You're making it more complicated than it has to be. It's a standard action, 'nuff said. The "Press the side of the cube" thing is just flavor text if it doesn't say anything about changing the time to use it.

 

[Lord Judas]

Thanks for your input! A standard action it is!

I am planing on one of my final BBEGs (a Necromancer) having a Cube during his show-down with the heros. Its been at least a decade since one has been in a game Ive been in and I dont want to cheat the players. The battle is going to be quite tough as it is.