How often can you operate a ring of blinking?

[Werecorpse]

This spell is pretty awesome but the ring seems oddly low priced. Is it useable at will?

I would think an at will use activation blink ring would cost 108,000gp. It seems they have forgotten to multiply by 4 for a rounds duration spell (I think this was the same in 3.5 DMG)

[Estrosiath]

Yes, it is useable at will, much like the ring of invisibility.

[Lee Gordon]

Keep in mind that it functions like the spell though. The ring is CL 7, so with a standard action, you can start blinking for 7 rounds. You can dismiss the effect with another standard action before the 7 rounds are up (to accommodate a healing spell, for example).

To have the ring work continuously, you'd need to spend a standard action every 7 rounds to reactivate it.

[Buba HoTep]

Lee Gordon wrote:

Keep in mind that it functions like the spell though. The ring is CL 7, so with a standard action, you can start blinking for 7 rounds. You can dismiss the effect with another standard action before the 7 rounds are up (to accommodate a healing spell, for example).

To have the ring work continuously, you'd need to spend a standard action every 7 rounds to reactivate it.

I Don't think this is right.

[karkon]

Buba HoTep wrote:

Lee Gordon wrote:

Keep in mind that it functions like the spell though. The ring is CL 7, so with a standard action, you can start blinking for 7 rounds. You can dismiss the effect with another standard action before the 7 rounds are up (to accommodate a healing spell, for example).

To have the ring work continuously, you'd need to spend a standard action every 7 rounds to reactivate it.

I Don't think this is right.

I think it might be correct.

ring SRD wrote:

Activation: A ring's ability is usually activated by a spoken command word (a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity) or its effects work continually. Some rings have unusual activations, as mentioned in the ring's specific description.

and

blink ring wrote:

On command, this ring makes the wearer blink, as the blink spell.

So the ring requires a command to activate. It can't keep working forever because then it is effectively continual so it must wear off. The ring is listed as CL 7

magic item definitions wrote:

Caster Level (CL): The next item in a notational entry gives the caster level of the item, indicating its relative power. The caster level determines the item's saving throw bonus, as well as range or other level-dependent aspects of the powers of the item (if variable). It also determines the level that must be contended with should the item come under the effect of a dispel magic spell or similar situation.

For potions, scrolls, and wands, the creator can set the caster level of an item at any number high enough to cast the stored spell but not higher than her own caster level. For other magic items, the caster level is determined by the item itself.

Saying the effect last 7 rounds based upon that seems correct and in line with the rules.

[MacGurcules]

Lee and Karkon have the right of it. Command word activated items operate as if they cast a spell at their listed CL and they aren't subject to the price multiplier for continuous items. In exchange for them being cheaper, you have to expend a standard action every time you activate it.