Applying Metamagic Feats to Magic Missle

[Euan]

Hi all! I think I know the answer to this, but it's a slow Saturday so I thought I'd ask the masses for confirmation.

When applying a metamagic feat to a spell like Magic Missile (which can have multiple targets) I think the metamagic is only applied once.

For example I have PFS character who has the Toppling Spell Metamagic feat. I can, I think, only trip one opponent, even if I have 5 missiles at my disposal.

I make this assumption based on other things working the same way (like Evocation Specialized wizards only adding their damage to one missile not to all missiles).

So, am I right or am I overly limiting myself? And I'm looking for a RAW response as this is for PFS. In a home game of course you can work it out with the GM. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Edgar Lamoureux]

As far as I am aware, Metamagic affects all facets of the spell equally. Toppling spell would be able to trip multiple opponents, or you can have 5 attempts versus one, or any combination. Each missile gets the toppling effect.

[Fredrik]

RAW, it looks to me like Toppling Spell's effect is per target, not per spell or per missile. So, if you hit five different targets, then you'll make five trip checks; or if you hit one target with five missiles, then you'll make one trip check. If I understand correctly.

[Edgar Lamoureux]

Oh yeah. Derp. I need to read the effect before I go spouting off. You're right, Fredrik.

[Fredrik]

Could be worse. Earlier today, I had to eat crow for thinking that it was a general rule that you didn't have to meet the prereqs for a bonus feat. (I mostly play rangers.) We all have our derps. ;)

[Fromper]

I agree with Fredrik on this one, just based on the wording of Toppling Spell.

[Euan]

OK then. Apparently I've been doing it wrong. :)

To follow up, what do you think about this one then? Same thing?

Dazing Spell

I have a concept going...

[Gauss]

Even I have my 'derp' moments. I utterly hate them.

And I agree with what has been said about the RAW of Toppling Spell. However, I feel that it is against intent. Perhaps some day a developer will comment on the RAI of it.

- Gauss

[Fredrik]

Euan wrote:

OK then. Apparently I've been doing it wrong. :)

To follow up, what do you think about this one then? Same thing?

Dazing Spell

I have a concept going... :)

Same thing. Except with a level increase of +3, and they get a Will save to negate the effect. I'm just theorycrafting here -- I haven't used it or anything -- but it doesn't look to me like it would be worth it.. unless..

If you're trying to incapacitate a bunch of minions, and you have something like the Magical Lineage trait to keep the level down, then maybe. But I'd give it a really skeptical scrutiny before committing.

[Fromper]

I'm agreeing with Fredrik again, both in thinking that Dazing Spell seems to affect everyone it damages, and also in thinking it's usually not going to be worth the 3 level cost.