I was looking over new magic items for my 8th-level Cleric and came across the Candle of Invocation. I had previously only noted the item for abusing broken Gate shannanigans, but the second ability of the candle actually intrigues me:
A cleric whose alignment matches the candle's operates as if two levels higher for purposes of determining spells per day if he burns the candle during or just prior to his spell preparation time. He can even cast spells normally unavailable to him As if he were of that higher level, but only so long as the candle continues to burn. Except in special cases (see below), a candle burns for 4 hours. It is possible to extinguish the candle simply by blowing it out.
How exactly does this work? The item description isn't very clear, but it seems like this could either be very useful if you can start the day by burning it while prepping some higher level buffs up to 4 times, but it could also be almost worthless if it is a one-use item where the spells only function during a 4-hour window.
It's simple: when you prep your spells, do so according to what the cleric spells chart says at your level + 2. For example: let's say you're a level 15 cleric of Desna and you burn one of these candles while you prepare for an arduous day. While preparing your spells, you can prepare an extra spell of levels 6 through 8 PLUS a 9th level spell. It's not explicitly stated but it follows that this new tier would also allow bonus spells from high Wisdom and a domain spell as well. Access to this 9th level magic vanishes after 4 hours, but then in our Carrion Crown game, said level 15 cleric of Desna actually had Miracle going into Gallowspire because of this item, which really came in handy.
So using your example, after 4 hours the 9th-level spell vanishes if it hasn't yet been used, but the extra 6th, 7th and 8th level spells remain?
If so, would it be possible to purposefully extinguish the candle after memorizing spells, losing the 9th but keeping the 6/7/8 spells and only using up part of the candle?
Thanks!
So using your example, after 4 hours the 9th-level spell vanishes if it hasn't yet been used, but the extra 6th, 7th and 8th level spells remain?
If so, would it be possible to purposefully extinguish the candle after memorizing spells, losing the 9th but keeping the 6/7/8 spells and only using up part of the candle?
Thanks!
Essentially, the answer to both questions is that you have to work that out with your GM.
For the first bit, it's certain that any bonus spells from levels you wouldn't normally have (in this case, 9th) are gone, as would be one of the spells from levels 6, 7, and 8 each if you haven't cast anything from them. Now, if you've used at least one 6th, 7th, and 8th level spell slot already, the GM may rule that you don't lose any more prepared spells of those levels. Or they may say you do lose one if you haven't cast ALL your 6th, 7th, and 8th level spells for that day. It's kind of up to them to adjudicate, really.For the second bit, it's a little less clear. The wording seems to suggest that what you want is possible, but a good GM is unlikely to allow you to get five uses of an extra 2-3 spells per day from a single item.
Hope this helps!