Can I use metamagic reduction at level 1?

[Nadlor]

Quick question.

Level 1 sorcerer (has access only to level 1 spells). Magic missile is a level 1 spell. If I apply to Magic Missile the Toppling Spell metamagic feat, its spell level would be 2, so I wouldn't be able to cast it. So far so good.

But if I also have Magical Lineage: magic missile, the caster level is back to 1, so I can use it (as a full-round action) even if I don't have access to level 2 spells, is this correct?

I only ask because I remember something about needing to have access to the enhanced level of the spell, even if it's finally reduced back to its normal level through traits or feats. But I can't seem to find anything about it now, so I was wondering if I'm missing something.

In case it matters, this is for PFS play. Thank you very much in advance for your help!

[andreww]

I am not aware of anything which says you have to have access to the unadjusted spell level. As far as I can tell this would work.

[Lifat]

I know of no rule that states that you have to have access to the spell level the spell would be before reductions. I'd say that this works fine by RAW.

[Jeff Merola]

You can definitely cast a Magical Lineage Toppling Magic Missile at level 1.

[Joe M.]

Yes, with Magical Lineage you will be able to cast a toppling magic missile at lvl 1.

[Vrischika111]

IIRC this "must be able to cast actual slot" rule is for arcanist, where you can add a metamagic for free, and one of the limitation is the above rule.

[Diego Rossi]

There are several abilities with that limitation, but it is not a general limitation, so it applies only when a specific ability call for it.

[Mike T.]

Nadlor wrote:

Quick question.

Level 1 sorcerer (has access only to level 1 spells). Magic missile is a level 1 spell. If I apply to Magic Missile the Toppling Spell metamagic feat, its spell level would be 2, so I wouldn't be able to cast it. So far so good.

But if I also have Magical Lineage: magic missile, the caster level is back to 1, so I can use it (as a full-round action) even if I don't have access to level 2 spells, is this correct?

I only ask because I remember something about needing to have access to the enhanced level of the spell, even if it's finally reduced back to its normal level through traits or feats. But I can't seem to find anything about it now, so I was wondering if I'm missing something.

In case it matters, this is for PFS play. Thank you very much in advance for your help!

To my knowledge you would be able to cast it because Magic Missile would still be considered a level 1 spell, not a level 1 being cast in a 2nd level slot. I've never heard of the rule that says you need to have access to the higher level even if you're reducing it. I believe you will be golden.

[Nadlor]

Ok, it seems quite clear. I guess I was confused with the Arcanist rule mentioned by Vrischika.

Thanks a lot everyone for your help!