I have a question about an issue that is plaguing my epic level group. We are running with the Epic level Handbook in pathfinder rule set (heavily modified of course) and we've hit a snag with Improved Metamagic. Our wizard (36th level, specifically designed to be a battle caster and put out ungodly amounts of damage in one round) took Improved Metamagic 4 times. The wording of the feat states the following:
Prerequisites: Four metamagic feats, Spellcraft 30 ranks.
Benefit: The spell slot modifier of all your metamagic feats is reduced by one level, to a minimum of +1. For instance, you could cast a quickened spell as a spell of three levels higher rather than four levels higher. This feat has no effect on metamagic feats whose spell
slot modifier is +1 or less.
Special: You can gain this feat multiple times. The effects stack, though you can't reduce any metamagic feat's spell slot modifier to less than +1.
The snag we've hit is difference in interpretation of the rule. The wizard took Improved Metamagic 4 times with the understanding that it reduces the spell increase of each metamagic BEFORE you add them to a spell.
Example: Quickened, Maximized, Empowered applied to a spell which would normally increase a 1st level spell to 10th level. The wizard player's understanding of the feat would reduce each metamagic feat to alter spell levels to +1 each for a total of +3. So Quickened, Maximized, Empowered magic missile would only be a 4th level spell.
The DM understand the feat as reducing the spell levels from the TOTAL spell levels. So Quickened, Maximized, Empowered magic missile would be a 6th level spell.
What ruling would all of you agree with?
What ruling would all of you agree with?
First: always take the final ruling of the DM.
Second:
I’m afraid that your friend is correct. The feat reduces the cost of other metamagic feats by 1 for each time it is taken(min +1). IE. A quickened (+4) fireball (3rd LV) is a 6th level spell not 7th with improved metamagic. If you took Improved Metmagic 4 times it would drop the cost of quickened spells to +1 (not +0).
The rule is the same with stacking metamagic feats. All metamagic feats gain benefit from Improved metamagic at the same time.
So the wizard's interpratation is correct. A Quickened, Maximized, Empowered magic missile is a 4th level spell.
Now with that said, your DM most likely let him take the feat with the understanding that it would take off the top not the bottom. Your DM has final ruling and can make that adjustment.