Items with Free Action Activation?

[Jeff Wilder]

Is there a rule somewhere for creating spell-effect items with activation by Free Action?

If not, would it be reasonable to simply up the spell's effective level by 4 (simulating Quicken), and then the caster level up to the new minimum needs?

So a ring that provided shield would normally cost 1800 gp ((1*1)*1800) as a command word item. As a free action item, it would cost 81,000 gp (((1+4)*9)*1800). (Ouch. But maybe appropriate for the effect.)

Should the Quicken feat be a prerequisite for such an item?

 

[Nightfall]

I'd say if it affects spells, Quicken Spell Feat should be required yes. That or haste.

 

[Ottergame]

Activating a magic item is a standard action though, so Quicken isn't going to help.

 

[Nightfall]

No but it if's a ring that causes a spell to be quickened, then you're in good shape.

 

[Ottergame]

Quicken Spell only affects spells being cast, not magic item activation.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Quicken Spell only affects spells being cast, not magic item activation.

"Activating a magic item is a standard action unless the item description indicates otherwise. However, the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item, regardless of the type of magic item, unless the item description specifically states otherwise."

The casting time of Quickened Shield is "1 free action". Therefore, the casting time of the spell - 1 free action - is the time required to activate the same power in an item, unless the item description specifically states otherwise.

-Hyp.

 

[Nightfall]

Alright so I was wrong there.

 

[dcollins]

Is there a rule somewhere for creating spell-effect items with activation by Free Action?

Just wanted to point out the answer to that is "no, there isn't".

What you're doing otherwise seems like a reasonable way to measure that.

 

[Vysirez]

So using the same idea an item of unlimited use true strike as a free action is 81k. Just be warned that items with unlimited uses can be abusable. Items that have unlimited uses as a free action are even worse.

As an example of something with unlimited use that is abusable. The "I want to drown the world" Decanter of endless water.

 

[Hypersmurf]

So using the same idea an item of unlimited use true strike as a free action is 81k.

Even if you allowed that, don't forget that Quicken is limited to once per round...

-Hyp.