I believe ie I know the snaswers but would like some clarification. I am not positive even after searching the forum.
I plan on using my 4th level spell slot to memorize a third level spell. Can I use a minor meta rod on that spell?
It is still a 3rd level spell but it is using a 4th level slot?
Can us combine the use of a meta magic rod with a meta magic feat? Can Iuse "Empower" as a feat and them maximize the spell with a rod?
Yes, a 3rd level spell cast using a 4th level slot is treated as a 3rd level spell in all ways. (Barring metamagic)
Yes, you can combine the effects of a metamagic feat and metamagic rod. But they must be different and both able to modify the spell at hand.
Metamagic Rod entry:
Metamagic rods hold the essence of a metamagic feat, allowing the user to apply metamagic effects to spells (but not spell-like abilities ) as they are cast. This does not change the spell slot of the altered spell. All the rods described here are use-activated (but casting spells in a threatened area still draws an attack of opportunity). A caster may only use one metamagic rod on any given spell, but it is permissible to combine a rod with metamagic feats possessed by the rod's wielder. In this case, only the feats possessed by the wielder adjust the spell slot of the spell being cast.
In your case you could Empower a 1st level spell (taking up a 3rd level slot) and then use a minor metamagic rod of Maximize on it. Just remember the specific rule for the interaction of Empower and Maximize.
The spell level remains the same regardless of what slot you prepare it in; the spell DC is not effected and it may have difficulty penetrating certain effects such as a globe of invulnerability (note though that the Heighten Spell metamagic feat is a specific exception to this general rule).
You can combine a metamagic rod with other metamagic feats, you just can't combine a metamagic rod with other metamagic rods (or similar magical items, such as a book of extended summoning).
Can you use a metamagic rod on a spell you are casting via a wand or staff?
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Can you use a metamagic rod on a spell you are casting via a wand or staff?
There's a FAQ for that (sort of):
Metamagic: When casting a spell from a scroll, wand, or staff, can I apply one or more of my metamagic feats to that spell?
No.
It doesn't specifically answer your question but if you can't use the feats that you have the inherent ability to use then I would assume the answer is also no for rods.
Can you use a metamagic rod on a spell you are casting via a wand or staff?
I don't believe so. Metamagic rods say they are used when you "cast a spell." Spell trigger and spell completion items are not "cast," in the traditional sense. They are activated.
Ok, that's what I figured.
I've got a player that has found a few metamagic rods and has been collecting wands that he feels are nearly useless as given. They might be more useful if he could get a metamagic on them.
I've been considering allowing it anyway.
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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Eh, I could see a homebrew feat or wizard discovery that could let you apply metamagic to wands/staves. I think there was a 3.5 feat that let you use you own metamagic on wands by spending extra charges equal to the level cost - so for example Empowered wand spells would cost 3 charges each. Don't know of any way to combine rods and wands, and not sure that such a thing would be balanced - metamagic rods are already way more convenient than having the feat and I'm not sure stretching that further is a good thing.
As for combining self-metamagicked spells with a rod, remember that the spell counts as the higher level for all ways that would be inconvenient, so it may require a better rod. For example, an empowered scorching ray could not work with a lesser rod as it counts as 4th level in all ways where that is a negative.
Yes, a 3rd level spell cast using a 4th level slot is treated as a 3rd level spell in all ways. (Barring metamagic)
Whilst I agree with this, there are many GMs who don't. They declare that since it is occupying a 4th level slot, a lesser rod doesn't work on it. The ruling that gets quoted is the one about treating metamagic effects as the worst possible case. Plus, wizards/full casters are already quite powerful...
Therefore, Scrogz, you'd better check with your GM. I'd quote Thorin/RD/etc, but present it as a question rather than 'this is how it works' - being polite to GMs is often more rewarding in the long run.