Factotum spell-like ability casting times?

[Particle_Man]

If my 3rd level Factotum casts an imitation of Enlarge Person as a spell like ability, does it take a full round action (as per Enlarge Person the spell) or a standard action (as per the description of the "default" time for spell-like abilities)?

 

[frankthedm]

Not too sure. Does it say "[Sp]:Enlarge person" or does it say "[Sp]:Enlarge person, as the spell."

If it is the first then, undoubtedly a standard action. If it is the second, then you have to ask, does a Paladin have to supply somatics and Divine foci.

 

[Particle_Man]

Well it is tricky. It is more like "[SP] pick any 1st level spell out of the wizard/sorceror spell list that doesn't have an XP requirement, and you have to supply any material requirements, and then you can cast it once per day as a spell-like ability, and you can change what spell it is you are imitating every day" Somatic and Verbal components are not required. And it talks about "mimic" rather than "cast".

I am leaning towards "standard action, the default position for spell-like abilities". This could make some choices rather attractive, of course.

 

[gnfnrf]

If my 3rd level Factotum casts an imitation of Enlarge Person as a spell like ability, does it take a full round action (as per Enlarge Person the spell) or a standard action (as per the description of the "default" time for spell-like abilities)?

Quoting from the SRD...

"A spell-like ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description."

Either the ability description OR the spell description can modify the default casting time. In your case, the spell description does.

--
gnfnrf

 

[blargney the second]

I'd say it's as the spell.

FWIW, the casting time of enlarge person is one entire round, rather than one full-round action.
-blarg

 

[Particle_Man]

Quoting from the SRD...

"A spell-like ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description."

Either the ability description OR the spell description can modify the default casting time. In your case, the spell description does.

Is there any case at all in which a spell-like ability does not duplicate some spell? Because otherwise it would seem that the "casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description" would be a rather empty default, since there would always be a spell description.

 

[Particle_Man]

Hey wait a second, how come the SRD says this? (Under "Types, Subtypes and Special Abilities")

"Using a spell-like ability is a standard action unless noted otherwise, and doing so while threatened provokes attacks of opportunity."

It is duplicating the description in the MM, and does *not* say "unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description."

That means that the default position is activated, IMHO. Enlarge Person as a spell-like ability takes a standard action.

[edit: ah, I have found it: in the PHB equivalent under "Magic Overview". That puts it back into "as per the spell" but then raises the question of my previous post - why post "1 standard action or like the spell or ability" if all spell-like abilities duplicate spells? Why not just say "as per the spell, unless described otherwise in the ability"?]

 

[blargney the second]

I dunno, Particle_Man. The idea of the class feature is to give factotums limited access to spells. The power is in the flexibility - decreased casting time doesn't seem to be in the spirit of the class.

I sure wouldn't let it fly. But if you can finagle your DM into letting you do this, more power to you.
-blarg

Edit: Btw, there are some spell-like abilities that don't mimic spells.

 

[gnfnrf]

Is there any case at all in which a spell-like ability does not duplicate some spell? Because otherwise it would seem that the "casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description" would be a rather empty default, since there would always be a spell description.

The black dragon's "Charm Reptile" ability makes reference to several spells, but doesn't duplicate any of them.

The bard's fascinate ability.

The paladin's special mount ability (though it does specify the action required).

The arcane archer's phase arrow ability (and others).

Questionable examples include:

Demon's ability to summon other demons. (Eventually, you get to "as though casting Summon Monster", though it's not clear to me if the casting time is supposed to carry over)

The Earth Mephit's Change Size ability.

Noncore examples include:

Warlock invocations and eldritch blast.

The point is, it does happen.

--
gnfnrf

 

[Particle_Man]

Thanks to all in the thread for their comments and their patience.