Ring of Spell Storing

[tmaaas]

Some questions on activating a Ring of Spell Storing, but first from the SRD:

Activation: Usually, a ring’s ability is activated by a command word (a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity) or it works continually. Some rings have exceptional activation methods, according to their descriptions.

Spell Storing, Minor: A minor ring of spell storing contains up to three levels of spells that the wearer can cast. Each spell has a caster level equal to the minimum level needed to cast that spell. The user need not provide any material components or focus, or pay an XP cost to cast the spell, and there is no arcane spell failure chance for wearing armor (because the ring wearer need not gesture). The activation time for the ring is same as the casting time for the relevant spell, with a minimum of 1 standard action.

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Per the description of a Ring of Spell Storing, it must have one of these "exceptional activation methods" since the activation time can be greater than one action. It seems to indicate the wearer "casts" the spell contained therein, but that this is not 'normal' casting because the ring definitely removes the need for somatic, material, and XP components.

So what would you rule, regarding:

1) AoO's.
2) Concentration checks.
3) Actual activation "method." Command word? "Casting" only using verbal component (but they what about spells without verbal components).

Thanks!

 

[dcollins]

Working from 3.0 here...

Per the description of a Ring of Spell Storing, it must have one of these "exceptional activation methods" since the activation time can be greater than one action.

No, I don't think that's a valid deduction. Under DMG ch. 8, "Using Items" it says this, for all activation types:

Activating a magic item is a standard action unless the item indicates otherwise. However, the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item, whether it's a scroll, a wand, or a pair of boots, unless the item description specifically states otherwise.

Therefore it looks like this ring is still command-word-activated, but is one of the cases that may take more than a standard action (item does not say otherwise on either issue). By the rules, this action still provokes no AOOs and requires no Concentration checks even if it takes multiple rounds to activate.

 

[James McMurray]

Since the item says the wearer casts it, its easiest to assume that's what happens. All the rules related to casting are in effect, including AoOs and concentration checks.

Any other interpretation would require ignoring the two times the actual word "cast" is used to refer to the stored spells.

 

[hong]

Since the item says the wearer casts it, its easiest to assume that's what happens. All the rules related to casting are in effect, including AoOs and concentration checks.

Any other interpretation would require ignoring the two times the actual word "cast" is used to refer to the stored spells.

Note that it's the _ring_ casting the spell, not the wearer. There's no reason the wearer should be incurring AoOs; they don't have to concentrate, there's no arcane spell failure chance, no components, etc. I suppose to be 100% technically correct you could have people take AoOs on the ring, but that's getting a bit silly.

 

[tmaaas]

Thank you all for your replys. Especially dcollins; I'd missed that general rule on activating magic items.

My interpretation would be that the activation method is the standard ring command word (since the ring text does not explicitly state otherwise). The difference in activation time and the bit on no somatic components are just reminders of general rules.

The term "cast" used in the description is intended to describe the ring's effects, not activation method. It's a simple way to describe what the ring does.

Of course, this is all just my opinion as a player whose group has just recently come into possession of said item. Now to see what my DM says . . .

 

[James McMurray]

Note that it's the _ring_ casting the spell, not the wearer. There's no reason the wearer should be incurring AoOs; they don't have to concentrate, there's no arcane spell failure chance, no components, etc. I suppose to be 100% technically correct you could have people take AoOs on the ring, but that's getting a bit silly.

Then why does it say this?

that the wearer can cast

 

[hong]

To keep nonspellcasters from using it. The ring still uses all the usual rules for spells cast out of items. It uses the minimum caster level for each spell, it doesn't use the wearer's feats or ability scores, etc.

 

[James McMurray]

I see no reason that it would prevent non spellcasters from using it. Neither 3.0 nor 3.5 listed that as a restriction, and it isn't listed as a spell completion item either.

 

[tmaaas]

To keep nonspellcasters from using it. The ring still uses all the usual rules for spells cast out of items. It uses the minimum caster level for each spell, it doesn't use the wearer's feats or ability scores, etc.

Actually, the DMG gives an example (which is not in the SRD) wherein a non-spellcaster (a barbarian) uses the ring. Thus, via Rings of Spell Storing any character can "cast" any spell.

 

[hong]

I see no reason that it would prevent non spellcasters from using it. Neither 3.0 nor 3.5 listed that as a restriction, and it isn't listed as a spell completion item either.

What is your point, exactly?