Energy Substitution Questions

[Skaros]

1. Can a wizard with Energy Substitution (Acid) decide to apply the acid substitution on the fly, or does she have to apply the substitution at the time of memorization?

2. Does this work differently for a Rod of Energy Substitution (Acid)?

I'm guessing the answer to 1 is 'no', but I'm not sure about the answer to 2.

Seems to me the metamagic rods aren't worth much if you have to apply them ahead of time.

Skaros

 

[Skaros]

*bump*

All you gurus take your noses out of the 3.5 threads for a second and help me out

 

[Hardhead]

1. Can a wizard with Energy Substitution (Acid) decide to apply the acid substitution on the fly, or does she have to apply the substitution at the time of memorization?

2. Does this work differently for a Rod of Energy Substitution (Acid)?

1. No, but Sorcerers get to decide "on the fly." Wizards have to decide when they prepare it.

2. This is trickier, but I'd say no.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Seems to me the metamagic rods aren't worth much if you have to apply them ahead of time.

My understanding of metamagic rods is that they apply the feat at time of casting, and don't require a higher-level slot.

Example: Rod of Lesser Empowerment. A 1st level wizard who gets his hands on one can Empower his Magic Missile, despite only having a 1st level slot.

Obviously, since he doesn't have a 3rd level slot, he can't memorise the spell as an Empowered Magic Missile. He memorises a Magic Missile, and it becomes an Empowered Magic Missile when cast through the Rod.

By the same logic, a Burning Hands - memorised normally - becomes Corrosive Hands when cast through a Rod of Lesser Acid Substitution.

-Hyp.

 

[kreynolds]

Re: Re: Energy Substitution Questions

My understanding of metamagic rods is that they apply the feat at time of casting, and don't require a higher-level slot.

Yup.

 

[Skaros]

Re: Re: Re: Energy Substitution Questions

Yup.

*whew*.

Thanks. Now I don't need to tell my wife, who's dwarven battle wizard is already losing a little due to haste changes (not that she minds that one) that the thousands of GP she spent on substitution rods wasn't really worth it

Skaros