Spellbinder and Metamagic

[Dr Grecko]

Quick question that I couldn't seem to find an answer on: Can a Spellbinder Wizard apply Metamagic to their spells when they swap a prepared spell for one of their bonded spells?

[Illeist]

The archetype doesn't specifically allow it, so the general rule doesn't change. A GM may make a houserule for your that says otherwise, but, by RAW, you replace a spell with your bonded spell, not a metamagic version thereof.

[Dr Grecko]

I started looking into it further, and of course, now I am even more confused. It's a fluff and crunch issue to me. The fluff (short description) of the ability says this:

fluff:

A spellbinder is an elven wizard who forges an arcane bond between himself and one or more wizard spells. These spells become so well understood by the spellbinder that he can prepare them in spell slots that already have other spells prepared in them.

Whereas if you read the crunch of the ability. they use the words 'replace' and 'exchange' with no mention of the word 'prepare'.

So, my dilemma would be, if you are 'preparing' these spells, you should be able to apply metamagic, since metamagic is applied when you 'prepare' spells as a wizard.

Thoughts?

[spalding]

Yes you can however since you are spontaneously casting the spell those parts of the rules stand (as per the magic section much like sorcerers).

[Dr Grecko]

The way the spellbinder archetype works, is it's a full round action to just swap the spell. You have to wait for your next turn to cast it, which is why it's not a great option for middle of combat usage. It's pretty good for certain utility spells though.