Surprise Round and Full Round Spell

[Markn]

Quick clarification.

Can a druid who wants to begin summoning a creature begin casting during the surprise round and then complete it on the next round? I'm inclined to say yes but I am not sure.

 

[Darklone]

SRD:
It's hidden in the combat chapter.

Start/Complete Full-Round Action

The "start full-round action" standard action lets you start undertaking a full-round action, which you can complete in the following round by using another standard action. You can’t use this action to start or complete a full attack, charge, run, or withdraw.

 

[frankthedm]

This is one of those balancing factors that really nail Enlarge Person and Summon monster spells. You want to get them cast when the enemy can't disrupt them, but if you cast them during the surprise round, you pay 2 actions rather than one.

Enlarge Person
Transmutation
Level: Sor/Wiz 1, Strength 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One humanoid creature
Duration: 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates
Spell Resistance: Yes

 

[Hypersmurf]

Quick clarification.

Can a druid who wants to begin summoning a creature begin casting during the surprise round and then complete it on the next round? I'm inclined to say yes but I am not sure.

It's an interesting paradox where the spell comes into effect before you finish casting.

"A spell that takes 1 round to cast is a full-round action. It comes into effect just before the beginning of your turn in the round after you began casting the spell. You then act normally after the spell is completed."

So, in the surprise round, you take the Begin Full Round Action standard action, and begin casting the spell.

Just before the beginning of your turn in round 1 - the round after you began casting the spell - the spell comes into effect.

During your turn in round 1 - after the spell has come into effect - you take the Complete Full Round Action standard action, and finish the Cast a Spell full round action you started in the surprise round. The spell is now completed, and you can act normally.

It's unclear what would happen if you were somehow prevented from taking the standard action to complete the casting after the spell had already come into effect...

-Hyp.