Wide or Long Metamagic


Homebrew and House Rules


Let's call the current metamagic mechanic 'tall'. You use a higher level spell slot when you add a metamagic feat to a spell.

What do people think of the following?

Wide: To cast a spell with a metamagic feat, you must expend X spell slots of the same level where X is the feat's spell level modifier. For a caster that prepares spells, that spell requires that many extra slots to prepare.

Long: To cast a spell with a metamagic feat, you must spend X consecutive multiples of the spell's casting time (minimum full-action) concentrating, immediately before the action spent to cast the spell, where X is the feat's spell level modifier. You must pass any concentration checks to ignore distractions or damage during this additional time or the spell fails.

Yes, that does mean a long quickened fireball takes four full-round actions then a swift action. Oh well.

Maybe these could even be combined! Is that terrible? It might be!

A tall-empowered wide-maximised fireball takes a standard action to cast and costs three 5th level spell slots to cast.


Long-version metamagic wouldn't be much of a price to pay for most out-of-combat spells; long-term buffs come to mind.


I Think long is too good but i like the idea and May try it out in a E6game i consider running.


It struck me that all I did was drop a negative comment on your idea. Sorry about that. It all looks like an intriguing idea; I was trying to point out a potential hidden surprise. [I wouldn't have bothered, if I didn't think it was an interesting idea in the first place.]


I fully recognise that it could be broken as all hell. I just like the idea of exploring the different mechanics.


I like it. It allows spells to remain relevant and allows for higher-level casters a way to burn spell slots that are usually left unused.
As it is, do 'wide' spells count as spells of the same level with regards to all existing effects and conditions (for example--is the fireball still considered 3rd level for penetrating globe of invulnerability and for spell DC purposes)?
Addressing this point can soften up the rest.


Since only heighten changes the actual level, all metamagic spells otherwise use their original level.

Obviously, heighten can only be used with 'tall' metamagic.

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