Metamagic Rods, Variant (3.5e Equipment)

Metamagic Rod: Metamagic rods hold the essence of a metamagic feat, allowing the user to apply metamagic effects to spells (but not spell-like abilities) as they are cast. This does not change the spell slot of the altered spell. All the rods described here are use-activated (but casting spells in a threatened area still draws an attack of opportunity). A caster may only use one metamagic rod on any given spell, but it is permissible to combine a rod with metamagic feats possessed by the rod’s wielder. In this case, only the feats possessed by the wielder adjust the spell slot of the spell being cast.

Possession of a metamagic rod does not confer the associated feat on the owner, only the ability to use the given feat a specified number of times per day. A sorcerer must still take a full-round action when using a metamagic rod, just as if using a metamagic feat he possesses (except for quicken metamagic rods, which can be used as a swift action).

It is possible for a metamagic rod to posses multiple metamagic feats (though you can't apply a feat twice like Empower Spell), as long as the total spell level adjustment follow the tables listed below. For example you can purchase an unlimited use Lesser Rod of Empower (+2 spell level) and Maximize (+3 spell level), which is a +5 spell level metamagic rod for the market value of 266,667 gp. (Cost to create: 133,334 gp and 10,667 XP). This will allow you to both Empower and Maximize all of your 3rd level and lower spells.

You can use a quarterstaff as the base of a metamagic rod. If so, it counts as three separate magic items. Both ends are treated as two magical weapons (which can be enchanted using the Craft Magic Arms and Armor feat) with the core of the staff acting as the metamagic rod. You can also make use of the Craft Staff feat to further enchant the staff, if so, the staff counts as four separate magic items. You can use other magic items that normally occupy a body slot like a ring, amulet, gloves, etc. or other weapons aside from a quarterstaff for the base of a metamagic rod but this multiplies its cost by 1.5. Other items that do not use body slots like Ioun Stones multiplies its cost by 2.

Types of Metamagic Rods: Lesser metamagic rods can be used with spells of 3rd level or lower, intermediate metamagic rods can be used with spells of 6th level or lower, while greater metamagic rods can be used with spells of 9th level or lower.

Strong (no school);CL 9th (lesser, up to +2 SL), 11th (lesser and intermediate, up to +4 SL), and 17th (lesser, intermediate and greater, SL 5+); Craft Rod, corresponding metamagic feat; Cost Varies, refer to table; Weight: 5 lb.; Market Price: Varies, refer to table

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Revised Metamagic Rods Table

3 Uses/Day

Type	+1 to Spell Level	+2 to Spell Level	+3 to Spell Level	+4 to Spell Level	+5 to Spell Level	+6 to Spell Level	+7 to Spell Level	+8 to Spell Level	+9 to Spell Level
Lesser Metamagic Rod	4,000 gp	12,500 gp	27,000 gp	49,000 gp	80,000 gp	121,500 gp	175,000 gp	242,000 gp	324,000 gp
Intermediate Metamagic Rod	12,250 gp	32,000 gp	60,750 gp	100,000 gp	151,250 gp	216,000 gp	295,750 gp	392,000 gp	506,250 gp
Greater Metamagic Rod	25,000 gp	60,500 gp	108,000 gp	169,000 gp	245,000 gp	337,500 gp	448,000 gp	578,000 gp	729,000 gp

Unlimited Uses/Day

Type	+1 to Spell Level	+2 to Spell Level	+3 to Spell Level	+4 to Spell Level	+5 to Spell Level	+6 to Spell Level	+7 to Spell Level	+8 to Spell Level	+9 to Spell Level
Lesser Metamagic Rod	13,333 gp	41,667 gp	90,000 gp	163,333 gp	266,667 gp	405,000 gp	583,333 gp	806,667 gp	1,080,000 gp
Intermediate Metamagic Rod	40,833 gp	106,667 gp	202,500 gp	333,333 gp	504,167 gp	720,000 gp	985,833 gp	1,306,667 gp	1,687,500 gp
Greater Metamagic Rod	83,333 gp	201,667 gp	360,000 gp	563,333 gp	816,667 gp	1,125,000 gp	1,493,333 gp	1,926,667 gp	2,430,000 gp

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Sample Metamagic Rod:

Greater Rod of Empower, Maximize and Quicken (unlimited use)

The wielder can cast an unlimited number of 9th level (or lower) spells per day that are empowered, maximized and quickened as though using the Empower Spell, Maximize Spell and Quicken Spell feat.

Strong (no school); CL 21st; Craft Rod, Craft Epic Rod, Empower Spell, Maximize Spell, Quicken Spell; Cost: 1,215,000 gp + 97,200 xp; Activation: Use-Activated; Weight: 5 lb.; Market Price: 2,430,000 gp

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Change Notes:

• Adjusted pricing. The previous price for unlimited uses was equivalent to 5 charges per day, adjusted into 10 charges per day.
• Added 2 more spell levels up to a maximum of 9 spell levels worth of metamagic feats.
• Included a sample rod.

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