Spell-like abilities for long cast spells

[Hellefire]

So, using a spell-like ability takes a standard action. But what exactly is 'using' the ability, regarding long spells.

For example, my friend is making a character who can control weather as a spell-like ability. Now, the spell normally takes 10 minutes to cast and then another 10 minutes to take effect. So, in this case, which of the following is 'most' correct?

1. Use of the spell-like ability to control weather takes 1 standard action. The 'spell' then completes casting itself in 10 minutes, and the effects occur in another 10 minutes, so 1 standard action used by the character, and 20 minutes later the weather changes.

2. Use of the spell-like ability to control weather takes 1 standard action. The 'spell' is considered cast then, and the effects occur in 10 minutes, so 1 standard action used by the character, and 10 minutes later the weather changes.

3. Use of the spell-like ability to control weather takes 1 standard action. The spell is considered finished immediately, so 1 standard action is used by the character, and the weather changes immediately.

4. Some other combination of character actions and length of time to effect?


Thanks!
Aaron

 

[Thanee]

IIRC it's at least a standard action, but if the spell-like ability is like a spell it uses the casting time instead, if it is longer. It should take 10 minutes to activate.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Hypersmurf]

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

Control Weather notes otherwise in the spell description. It will take a hundred rounds of Full Round Actions to activate the ability (during any one of which it might be disrupted by damage, for example), and then another ten minutes after that before the effects are felt.

-Hyp.