So, as I've been playing a sorcerer(ess) as of late, my GM has been getting on me for a section of rules that I've never seen hide nor hair of: He seems to think that no matter what the source, any metamagic except Quicken applied to spontaneous spells increases the casting time appropriately, including rods. While I'm well aware of normal metamagic/spell interaction, do rods fall under this category as well?
Your GM is right.
From the section on metamagic rods:
"A sorcerer still must take a full-round action when using a metamagic rod, just as if using a metamagic feat he possesses (except for quicken metamagic rods, which can be used as a swift action)."
I have to admit, I wasn't aware of this rule before I just looked it up, either. But in checking the 3.5 SRD, the rule was the same also then. One never stops learning :)
I have been ruling it does still need the extra time, so am interested in the forums view
Yes, it still increases the casting time with the rods. What is nice about the rods is the spell (you use the rod on) the level is not increased.
My question is, if you have the Arcane Bloodline, can you use Metamagic Adept on the spell cast through the metamagic rod?
This is another case of the disparity reserved between Prepared Casters and Spontaneous Casters, where the latter always draw the short straw.
A Spontaneous Caster does not have to increase the level of a spell when using a Metamagic Rod, but the casting time is always increased.
One benefit.
A Prepared Caster does not have to increase the level of a spell when using a Metamagic Rod, AND can do it 'on the fly' like a Spontaneous Caster... but WITHOUT increasing the casting time.
Two (or even three) benefits.
If it were for me, I would ban the Metamagic Rods altogether (they boost too much classes which are already considered 'top tier' - casters - and among them, more so for the 'top of the top tier' - Clerics, Druids, Wizards). People wonder why so few characters invest into Metamagic Feats... why doing this when you can always store these items into your pockets ??
But, if I were to keep them, I would 'equalize' the benefits, giving even the Spontaneous Casters the ability to cast the spell without increased casting time.