Difference Between Use-Activated, Command Activated and Continuous Items

[darkelfo]

For the purposes of creating magic items, what is the difference between Use-Activated, Command Activated and Continuous items?

Continuous seems simple enough. It's always on. But what's the difference between use-activated and command-activated?

Do you actually have to have a command word that is spoken aloud for command-activated items?

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Use-activated is for those things which automagically work whenever you physically perform the correct action - put on a pair of gloves, swing a sword, wear a ring, gaze through a crystal, drink a potion, etc.

Command-activated is for those things which must be "turned on" before they work.

The DMG muddies this up by mentioning that some use-activated items require command words. This is, IMHO, stupid. If it requires a command word, it's a command-activated item.

As for whether or not command-activated items must require a command word spoken aloud:

Command word activation means that a character speaks the word and the item activates.

Is there a specific item you have a question about?

 

[darkelfo]

Is there a specific item you have a question about?

Thanks for the quick reply. No specific question on an item. I am creating my own custom wonderous items and just wanted to see the difference.

How loudly do you have to say the command word? I'm working on a Key of Opening that will cast the Silent Portal cantrip frm Magic of Faerun. That spell eliminates the sound of door opening. Might defeat the purpose of stealth to have it be command activated. Thoughts?

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

How loudly do you have to say the command word?

Good question. I don't believe it's ever actually codified. Verbal spell components - the nearest equivalent I can think of - work thusly:

Verbal (V): A verbal component is a spoken incantation. To provide a verbal component, you must be able to speak in a strong voice.

I'm working on a Key of Opening that will cast the Silent Portal cantrip frm Magic of Faerun. That spell eliminates the sound of door opening. Might defeat the purpose of stealth to have it be command activated. Thoughts?

Make it use-activated by tapping against the door you wish to target.

 

[darkelfo]

Thanks again. I'm gonna see if my GM will let me do the command-activated component as a somatic, rather than verbal component.

Before everyone has a heart attack and goes to their grave cursing my name and clutching the DMG, I realize that's not in the Rules as Written, but it will be for my GM to decide.

This could be cool:
To use the Knock function, the Key is brandished with one hand and a knocking motion is made with the other.

To use the Open/Close function, the Key is moved forward and turned as if opening a lock.

To use the Silent Portal function, the Key is brandished in one hand while the other hand places a finger across the lips of the user.

 

[darkelfo]

Thanks again. I'm gonna see if my GM will let me do the command-activated component as a somatic, rather than verbal component.

Actually, come to think of it, it would also be cool to introduce arcane spell failure for command-activated items with a somatic component.