I have recently created a new sorcerer (starting at level 4, now level 5). Due to my high charisma of 20, it appears that I get extra spells per day above the range of spell levels that I have thus far learned. So, my question is, can I use metamagic feats to modify my level 0, 1, and 2 spells into level 3, 4, and 5 spells, thereby using slots that could not normally be used by a caster of my level? I assumed yes, but my GM thought not. We played as if I couldn't but would both like a more definitive answer.
Thanks,
Hank
You can't cast spells from levels you can't access. Ever.
Edit: I'll clarify. Magic missile is a 1st level spell, quickened magic missile is a 5th level spell. If you can't cast 5th level spells, you can't cast a 5th level spell.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
No, you only get those bonus slots once you can cast spells of that level.
Right - could you point me to the section of the rules that talks about this? It does specify that I must be able to cast a spell of that level or higher, in the section on magic. It also says I need a charisma level equal to at least ten plus the spell - easy enough as my charisma is 20. The chart for sorcerers is titled "spells known", and I don't see why this would indicate that a 5th level sorcerer can't CAST a higher level spell seeing as metamagic only requires that it use one of the spell-slots (granted by extra charisma).
Basically, I'm happy to accept that answer - but is this a common interpretation of the rule book, or am I just failing at finding the spot where it is explicitly stated?
Look at the text directly above the ability score table. It says it explicitly right there.
Ah I see this now, thank you.
I believe that the bonus slots could still be used for your lower level spells, at least that is how we have always played. I do not think that I have ever seen anything written against this either.
No. You do not gain access to the bonus slots until you are high enough level to cast that level of spell.
FAQ on the matter.
|
Just to add to Sniggevert's link:
Bonus Spells from a High Ability Score: Can I use these even if my spellcasting class level isn't high enough to give me access to those spell levels?
No. You only get the bonus spells if your class level grants you access to those spell levels. You can't even use them for lower-level spells. See page 16, Abilities and Spellcasters section: "In addition to having a high ability score, a spellcaster must be of a high enough class level to be able to cast spells of a given spell level. "
For example, a 1st-level wizard with 18 Intelligence has (according to table 1–3: Ability Modifiers and Bonus Spells) 1 bonus spell at spell levels 1, 2, and 3. However, he can only use the 1st-level bonus spell because as a 1st-level wizard he only has access to 1st-level spells (his class-based number of 2nd- and 3rd-level spells per day are "—", meaning "no access to spells of this level"). As soon as he becomes a 3rd-level wizard, he gains access to his 2nd-level spell slots and can use that bonus 2nd-level spell slot from his high Intelligence, and likewise for 3rd-level spells and bonus spells at wizard level 5.
Basically, ignore the columns for higher-level spells on table 1–3: Ability Modifiers and Bonus Spells until your class grants you access to those spell levels.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Magic missile is a 1st level spell, quickened magic missile is a 5th level spell. If you can't cast 5th level spells, you can't cast a 5th level spell.
Not to be pedantic, but a quickened magic missile is still a 1st-level spell (albeit, one that uses up a 5th-level spell slot). To increase the spell level, you need Heighten Spell.
Nice Ravingdork, nice.
