First we look at maximize spell.
"All variable, numeric effects of a spell modified by this feat are maximized. Saving throws and opposed rolls are not affected, nor are spells without random variables."
So we look at Embrace Destiny to see if it has a random variable numeric effect.
"Upon completing this spell, roll a single d20 and record the result."
That is indeed a variable numeric effect. RAW it works.
That said, expect your GM to balk at a fourth level spell giving you a nat 20 on tap. Personally, I think the 1 round/level duration makes it reasonable, but I think I'm slightly off-center regarding opinions on funky combinations.
3rd level with magical lineage, and with empower you could get natural rolls above 20... So would a natural 30 still crit with weapons?
Don't know, and frankly if I won the first one, I wouldn't push it.
As a DM I wouldn't allow the spell to be maximized or empowered.
Yea I don't think any DM would allow this combination, but theoretically would this work with vorpal weapons.
By the letter of the rules, it clearly works with maximize.
With empower, who knows? It's obviously not MEANT to work with the spell, and since you normally can't mess with d20 results like that, there's no rule that says you threaten on a roll result greater than a 20.
If you're trying to get constant vorpal crit threats (wth are you doing with a vorpal blade at lv3?), expect the GM to say no, laugh, and/or have you face a squadron of auto-hitting oracles with magic weapons.
RAW: All variable, numeric effects of a spell modified by this feat are maximized.
Upon completing this spell, roll a single d20 and record the result. At any point during the duration of this spell, you may use that roll for a single ability check, attack roll, initiative check, saving throw, or skill check, using the recorded result in place of a roll.
The die roll is not an effect of the spell, but part of the casting. The actual effect of the spell is the replacement of the roll.
At least that's my read on RAW. For me there is enough of a grey area for it to be a judgement call, and mine would be to not allow the combination.
RAW: All variable, numeric effects of a spell modified by this feat are maximized.
Upon completing this spell, roll a single d20 and record the result. At any point during the duration of this spell, you may use that roll for a single ability check, attack roll, initiative check, saving throw, or skill check, using the recorded result in place of a roll.The die roll is not an effect of the spell, but part of the casting. The actual effect of the spell is the replacement of the roll.
At least that's my read on RAW. For me there is enough of a grey area for it to be a judgement call, and mine would be to not allow the combination.
I don't think that works.
"Sorry, The die roll is not an effect of the fireball spell, but part of the casting. The actual effect of the spell is a searing explosion of flame"
In the same sense that the roll determines the fireball damage, the roll determines the replacement result.
Such a combination wouldn't likely ever be allowed (I personally wouldn't allow it; You shouldn't ever be allowed to force a successful attack - There should always be a 5% chance of failure), but I'll play devil's advocate.
My argument for: A forced critical threat as a 4th level spell is only a little bit stronger than comparable 4th level spells.
Reference: Named Bullet
As per PRD: A fireball spell generates a searing explosion of flame that detonates with a low roar and deals 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level (maximum 10d6) to every creature within the area.
For fireball the damage is actually explicitly stated as part of the spell effect.
I'm not going to argue the point on Embrace Destiny, apart from stating my opinion that there is a grey area there - and my view on it is that I'd disallow.
Expect table variance.
In response to named bullet, a lesser rod of maximize would allow you to get free nat 20s for 1st level spells, expensive but worth it for some, really cheesy though... maybe use share spells, improved to give it to yourself and familiar (or animal companion for nature oracles)PRD:
"Critical Hits: When you make an attack roll and get a natural 20 (the d20 shows 20),..."
Not sure too that a "20 because maximised" keeps on to be "natural"...
Interesting. I was reading maximize that it would set the value of the d20 roll to the max value, making you get a 20, but I forgot the wording on "the d20 shows 20". That would preclude this working.