I have a question about wands, staves, and rods:
Can any character use them? For instance, the rod of absorption allows the wielder to absorb spell levels and use them to power prepared spells. Can the the wielder boost prepared spells with extra levels?
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-JFC Wolz
HISTORIAN
Rods, Staves, Wands, etc.
First:
Depends on the wand, staff, or rod. Any character can probably hold a rod of absorption, but only a spellcaster gets any benefit (other than absorbing spells) from doing so, its "better" in the hands of a spellcaster.
Generally, any item that casts spells (as opposed to simply functioning as a spell-like effect vis-a-vis ring of invisibility compared to staff of the magi) requires the character to use it to have the spell on their spell list. This means all non-spellcasters are screwed when it comes to items that cast spells. Some items ignore this restriction and should say so. One obvious exception is rogue and scrolls, as they can use decipher script (at -10) to read an arcane scroll (but not divine.)
Second:
No. The user uses the absorbed slots instead of his own prepared ones. For example, if you suck down three first level spells, you can use them to cast three first level spells (or, a third level, or a combination summing three, if that's what the description says) without losing the spell slot(s) yourself. Essentially, its a "spell battery / converter" and not a "spell amplifier."
Depends on the wand, staff, or rod. Any character can probably hold a rod of absorption, but only a spellcaster gets any benefit (other than absorbing spells) from doing so, its "better" in the hands of a spellcaster.
Generally, any item that casts spells (as opposed to simply functioning as a spell-like effect vis-a-vis ring of invisibility compared to staff of the magi) requires the character to use it to have the spell on their spell list. This means all non-spellcasters are screwed when it comes to items that cast spells. Some items ignore this restriction and should say so. One obvious exception is rogue and scrolls, as they can use decipher script (at -10) to read an arcane scroll (but not divine.)
Second:
No. The user uses the absorbed slots instead of his own prepared ones. For example, if you suck down three first level spells, you can use them to cast three first level spells (or, a third level, or a combination summing three, if that's what the description says) without losing the spell slot(s) yourself. Essentially, its a "spell battery / converter" and not a "spell amplifier."
Unless by "boost" you mean it in the same sense as meta magicing spells in 3E. Which still works much like what Ser said. So if your allowing the player4 to meta magic a spell to a higher spell slot then the rod can help with that.
But if you mean some kind of straight boost, well that depends on your house rules of spell boosting.
But if you mean some kind of straight boost, well that depends on your house rules of spell boosting.
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
Grand Knight Commander of the Society.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
Grand Knight Commander of the Society.