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does the feat spell focus increase the DC of spell-like abilities of the same school?
Don't think so. Ability Focus is there for that.
I think Spell Focus DOES affect spell-like abilities. This is because the description of spell-like abilities say they work exactly like spells, except for a few noted differences (components, dispelling). Nowhere does it say different feats apply. IIRC, it has also been ruled that Augment Summoning affects summon monster SLA's, so yeah.
I'm on a really bad line now though, so I can't find the reference points. Try the PRD.
SLA "are very much like spells" (quoted from the PRD) but they are not spells.
Spell Focus only applies to spells.
So no spell focus on SLA.
I think Spell Focus DOES affect spell-like abilities. This is because the description of spell-like abilities say they work exactly like spells, except for a few noted differences (components, dispelling). Nowhere does it say different feats apply. IIRC, it has also been ruled that Augment Summoning affects summon monster SLA's, so yeah.
I'm on a really bad line now though, so I can't find the reference points. Try the PRD.
My recollection about the summoner's SLA (I knew someone would bring that up) is that it is a specific exception.
Here is a FAQ about metamagic feats and SLAs. I personally find it relevant, but others may not.
@Cheapy: I don't think ability focus can help SLA either. It increases the DC of a special attack, and as far as I know, SLA isn't a special attack
@Cheapy: I don't think ability focus can help SLA either. It increases the DC of a special attack, and as far as I know, SLA isn't a special attack
Yea, I guess so.
My recollection about the summoner's SLA (I knew someone would bring that up) is that it is a specific exception.
I thought the ruling came up even before the APG was released. I'll look more into it.
SLA "are very much like spells" (quoted from the PRD) but they are not spells.
Well, there's a fair bit harder wording than that to.
"work just like spells", and "a spell-like ability works just like the spell of that name", and "In all other ways, a spell-like ability functions just like a spell" (from the same link).
However, the Bestiary includes feats for metamagic-ing SLA's, if that's what you desire (Empower Spell-Like Ability and Quicken Spell-Like Ability; but other similar feats could be made using the same template).
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Spell-like ability guidelines I use:
A SLA isn't considered to be on the class spell list for any class you may have. It isn't arcane or divine. It isn't a known or prepared spell. It doesn't have a spell level. It's not in a spell slot.
Basically, any info that would be derived from the "level" entry in the spell description, a SLA will not have.
As long as the feat or ability doesn't require something that SLAs lack, it should work.
Looksie what I found!
"Spell Focus, Spell Penetration and the greater versions of same // work just fine with spell-like abilities in addition to spells."
Well I'll be damned. Owen's word is generally good enough for me.
It doesn't have a spell level.
SLAs do have spell levels, which are for instance used to calculate save DCs.
The saving throw (if any) against a spell-like ability is 10 + the level of the spell the ability resembles or duplicates + the creature's Charisma modifier.
Those SLAs that don't directly mimick regular spells specifically list a spell level (such as the summon abilities of demons and devils).
It doesn't have a spell level.
This is a house rule in that case. SLA's have a spell level, that determine their saving throw DC and whether or not a globe of invulnerability affects them or not and the like. The spell level is (AFAIK) the lowest spell level it exists as among the core classes. Not sure on that though.
Also, while you are correct that they are not arcane or divine, if there's different effects between an arcane and divine casting of the spell, it uses the arcane version.
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After a little goal-post adjusting, it would have been more precise to say that for the purposes of meeting prerequisites of feats or prestige classes, or for interacting with feats or class abilities that affect spells, an SLA doesn't count as a spell of any particular level.
i.e. a Darkness SLA doesn't let you qualify for something with a "2nd level spells" prerequisite.
In 3.5 they spelled out the order of preference for determining which version of a spell to use for a SLA, but that language isn't in Pathfinder:
A monster’s spell-like abilities are presumed to be the sorcerer/wizard versions. If the spell in question is not a sorcerer/wizard spell, then default to cleric, druid, bard, paladin, and ranger, in that order.
Another possibly relevant FAQ. http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy88yj/faq#v5748eaic9ofm
Note the reasoning.
Another possibly relevant FAQ. http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy88yj/faq#v5748eaic9ofm
Note the reasoning.
I agree it's related, and it shows that even the dev's might have differing views on how closely spells and SLA's are tied, but that specifically refers to them lacking a spell list.
In 3.5 they spelled out the order of preference for determining which version of a spell to use for a SLA, but that language isn't in Pathfinder:
A monster’s spell-like abilities are presumed to be the sorcerer/wizard versions. If the spell in question is not a sorcerer/wizard spell, then default to cleric, druid, bard, paladin, and ranger, in that order.
That exact same language exists in Pathfinder:
Some spell-like abilities duplicate spells that work differently when cast by characters of different classes. A monster's spell-like abilities are presumed to be the sorcerer/wizard versions. If the spell in question is not a sorcerer/wizard spell, then default to cleric, druid, bard, paladin, and ranger, in that order.