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 160,000 gp. (Cost to create: 80,000 gp and 6,400 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, normal 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 normal, up to +4 SL), and 17th (lesser, normal and greater, SL 5+); Craft Rod, corresponding metamagic feat; Cost Varies, refer to table; Weight: 5 lb.; Market Price: Varies, refer to table
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 |
Lesser Metamagic Rod | 4,000 gp | 12,500 gp | 27,000 gp | 49,000 gp | 80,000 gp | 121,500 gp | 175,000 gp |
Normal Metamagic Rod | 12,250 gp | 32,000 gp | 60,750 gp | 100,000 gp | 151,250 gp | 216,000 gp | 295,750 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 |
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 |
Lesser Metamagic Rod | 8,000 gp | 25,000 gp | 54,000 gp | 98,000 gp | 160,000 gp | 243,000 gp | 350,000 gp |
Normal Metamagic Rod | 24,500 gp | 64,000 gp | 121,500 gp | 200,000 gp | 302,500 gp | 432,000 gp | 591,500 gp |
Greater Metamagic Rod | 50,000 gp | 121,000 gp | 216,000 gp | 338,000 gp | 490,000 gp | 675,000 gp | 896,000 gp |
Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Equipment → Magical Rods