Illusion Question - Shadow Spells

[Shampoohorn]

Can a casting of Shadow Evocation cast a meta-magicked spell as long as the caster has the meta-feat and as long as the elevated spell level is within the limit of the Shadow spell? (Example: Can Shadow Evocation (less than 5th level Evocations) be used to cast an Empowered Magic Missile (3rd Level Slot)?)

Thanks

 

[UD]

I would say no. You would have to meta-magic the Shadow Evocation Spell.

 

[Shampoohorn]

Why not? It seems to me that if Shadow Evocation can create a 4th level evocation, then it should be able to create an empowered first level evocation just as well; you're just taking advantage of the power of a 5th level spell.

If the shadow spell was cast using Silent, Still, or Quicken spell I could see the feat applying to the Shadow spell because it's directly effecting the casting mechanics. Casting mechanics are different from outcome (such as empowering) however.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Why not? It seems to me that if Shadow Evocation can create a 4th level evocation, then it should be able to create an empowered first level evocation just as well

Because you are not casting any of those evocation spells. You are casting Shadow Evocation, so your metamagic feats apply to this spell. Also, the spell does not create a real evocation, but a quasi-real shadow illusion of one.

 

[twjensen]

If you have the feat. . .

If you have the relevant meta-magic feats, I see no problem with being able to cast shadow versions of empowered spells

That empowered shadow magic missile is going to unbalance the game!

In short, yes, I'd allow it.