Confusion On SLAs and What Type Of Action They Take


Rules Questions


From the SLA description:

A spell-like ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description. In all other ways, a spell-like ability functions just like a spell.

So what exactly does "has a casting time of 1 standard action" mean when EVERY spell has a casting time listed under it's description?

I'm confused why this language is there when it seems like it doesn't actually change the action required.

Unless "spell description" means just the rules text of the spell, not necessarily the components, casting time, and what not.


Raise Dead takes a minute. Detect Undead takes a standard action. If somehow these were SLAs, then one takes a minute and the other a standard action. What's the question?


stoolpigeon87 wrote:
EVERY spell has a casting time listed under it's description?

Some SLAs do not have a existing spell to copy. Those are the ones that always take 1 standard action. The ones that copy a spell use that spell's casting time.

Scarab Sages

Brf wrote:
stoolpigeon87 wrote:
EVERY spell has a casting time listed under it's description?
Some SLAs do not have a existing spell to copy. Those are the ones that always take 1 standard action. The ones that copy a spell use that spell's casting time.

Unless the ability specifically states otherwise. Summon Monster spells have a full round cast time, but the Summoner's Summon Monster SLA is specifically listed as a standard.


Precisely.


cheechako wrote:

Raise Dead takes a minute. Detect Undead takes a standard action. If somehow these were SLAs, then one takes a minute and the other a standard action. What's the question?

The question was "Why have that language about standard actions when every spell has a casting time already in it's description."

Though I guess having it for SLAs that don't perfectly replicate a spell is the answer.

Bummer, so having Enlarge Person as an SLA doesn't actually turn it into a standard action. Oh well.

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