Command Word (3.5e Spell)
| Alteration (Meta) [Gives a spell a command word] | |
| Level: | Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 |
|---|---|
| Components: | V, M |
| Casting time: | 1 standard action |
| Range: | 5 feet |
| Target: | Spell |
| Duration: | As spell cast upon |
| Saving Throw: | Yes |
| Spell Resistance: | Yes |
This spell is a natural part of many magic items. It has uses beyond magic items however. It is not cast on an item but on a spell.
The spell grants the ability to repeatedly deactivate and activate the effects of the target spell by uttering the command word given to the target spell. Anyone knowing the command word can activate or deactivate the spell.
The duration of the target spell is not affected. If Command Word is cast on Feather Fall and then turned off the feather falls duration expires at the same time it normally would. When it expires the Command Word spell expires with it.
Command Word can be cast only on spells the caster has identified exactly. If cast on a spell in combat it entitles the opposing caster to a saving throw. More over even if it succeeds the opposing caster always learns the command word (even if whispered) and is entitled to use it to simply turn the spell back on. This has led to some rather silly sounding wizard battles that consist of a lot of shouting: “Fireball off. fireball on. fireball off! fireball on! fireball ARG!!!”. In the end this usually does little more then slightly reduce damage or delay the inevitable.
Typically this spell is used on spells such as Continual Flame to let the caster control it remotely. If cast again on the target spell the old command word is replaced with the new one. The material component of this spell is a small paper cone in to which the caster whispers the name of the command word.
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