Reading the CRB it says that a quickened spell takes a spell slot four times higher than the actual spell. Does this mean that this feat isn't worth taking till the PC is caster level 5? and then they can only quicken a lvl 1 spell?
Not until they can cast 5th level spells and yes, they can only quicken a 1st level spell in a 5th level slot. You might want to look at a rod of quicken.
|
Just to help out a bit, it increases the spell level (not caster level) by 4.
For example:
The earliest a Wizard could use the feat Quicken Spell (not counting strange interactions with traits or other feats) would be 7th level. He would be able to prepare 1 0-level spell (like Acid Splash) in a 4th level spell slot (instead of a 4th level spell like Dimension Door). Obviously, trading out your highest level spell slot for something so pitifully weak isn't a very good idea.
From what I understand, the best use of Quicken Spell is to prepare some of your better 1st-3rd level spells as quickened versions, when you have access to things like 6-9th level spells. That way, you can crank out multiple spells in 1 round when you really need the extra power.
Thanks for the responses, i was wondering how this feat could be useful. Swapping out a 5th level spell for a first doesn't seem a great idea but i guess an extra fireball at the right moment could be beneficial :)
Its very useful at high levels in certain situations. A witch casting Ill Omen before using a save or die for example, is an excellent use for it (provided the witch doesn't have a familiar casting ill omen)
It's honestly mostly used with a Rod of Quicken Spell though.
For the specialized caster, going for Spell Perfection, Quicken Spell is a great choice.