Do the set DCs for staff of the magi overwrite the normal rules for staves?


Rules Questions


2 people marked this as FAQ candidate.

So we just got one and as a full caster my version of fireball would be stronger than the staffs DC17 v my DC19. Do the set DCs trump the normal use?

Using Staves: Staves use the wielder's ability score and relevant feats to set the DC for saves against their spells. Unlike with other sorts of magic items, the wielder can use his caster level when activating the power of a staff if it's higher than the caster level of the staff.

This means that staves are far more potent in the hands of a powerful spellcaster. Because they use the wielder's ability score to set the save DC for the spell, spells from a staff are often harder to resist than those from other magic items, which use the minimum ability score required to cast the spell. Not only are aspects of the spell dependent on caster level (range, duration, and so on) potentially higher, but spells from a staff are also harder to dispel and have a better chance of overcoming a target's spell resistance.

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A long wooden staff, shod in iron and inscribed with sigils and runes of all types, this potent artifact contains many spell powers and other functions. Unlike a normal staff, a staff of the magi holds 50 charges and cannot be recharged normally. Some of its powers use charges, while others don't. A staff of the magi does not lose its powers if it runs out of charges. The following powers do not use charges:

Detect magic
Enlarge person (Fortitude DC 15 negates)
Hold portal
Light
Mage armor
Mage hand
The following powers drain 1 charge per usage:

Dispel magic
Fireball (10d6 damage, Reflex DC 17 half)
Ice storm
Invisibility
Knock
Lightning bolt (10d6 damage, Reflex DC 17 half)
Passwall
Pyrotechnics (Will or Fortitude DC 16 negates)
Wall of fire
Web
These powers drain 2 charges per usage:

Monster summoning IX
Plane shift (Will DC 21 negates)
Telekinesis (400 lbs. maximum weight; Will DC 19 negates)
A staff of the magi gives the wielder spell resistance 23. If this is willingly lowered, however, the staff can also be used to absorb arcane spell energy directed at its wielder, as a rod of absorption does. Unlike the rod, this staff converts spell levels into charges rather than retaining them as spell energy usable by a spellcaster. If the staff absorbs enough spell levels to exceed its limit of 50 charges, it explodes as if a retributive strike had been performed (see below). The wielder has no idea how many spell levels are cast at her, for the staff does not communicate this knowledge as a rod of absorption does. (Thus, absorbing spells can be risky.)

Scarab Sages

Yes, use the rules for casting from a staff when using a staff of the magi. This is clearly a 3.5-to-Pathfinder oversight.


Tom Baumbach wrote:
Yes, use the rules for casting from a staff when using a staff of the magi. This is clearly a 3.5-to-Pathfinder oversight.

Thank you for the help.

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