Solomon Gaius's page

So I had just picked the Liberating Command spell for my Bard, chortling away that I never need fear being stuck in a grapple again when another player in the party pointed something out.

Its not that good for the caster. Casting the spell is an Immediate action, if you have used an Immediate action to cast the spell (which you get one per turn) then his argument is, you cannot in turn take another immediate action to make your Escape Artist check.

Yes it will help other party members who have some ranks in the skill etc. But for the poor old caster - no dice. So my question is - do you think this was intended in the design of the spell, should it be a Free Action to make the Escape Artist check instead. Should the spell maybe give you a free Immediate Action, similar to the way that Touch Spells almost give you a standard action to make your Touch attack in addition to casting the spell.

What do you think?

Spell below:

Liberating Command
School transmutation; Level bard 1, cleric 1, druid 1, paladin 1, ranger 1, sorcerer/wizard 1
Casting Time 1 immediate action
Components V
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target one creature
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)

If the target is bound, grappled, or otherwise restrained, he may make an Escape Artist check to escape as an immediate action. He gains a competence bonus on this check equal to twice your caster level (maximum +20). This spell has no effect if the target could not get free by using the Escape Artist skill (for example, if he were under the effects of a hold person spell or paralyzed by Strength damage).