So I have seen a couple of characters and monsters have spells they can cast "at will". I dont know if I have mis-read or just missed it in the book but what does "at will" technically mean, how is it different than a regular casting of a spell? Also can a spellcasting class such as wizard, sorc, etc.. ever learn spells in her spellbook at will at some point? if so how?
Just cantrips.
So I have seen a couple of characters and monsters have spells they can cast "at will". I dont know if I have mis-read or just missed it in the book but what does "at will" technically mean, how is it different than a regular casting of a spell? Also can a spellcasting class such as wizard, sorc, etc.. ever learn spells in her spellbook at will at some point? if so how?
AT-will with a spell like ability just means they can use it as often as they want, i.e. infinite reps of that particular spell. All other rules apply. They just never 'use up' their spell.
Except for cantrips, there are no spells that are infinitely castable. It's an ability of the Magister from Monte Cook's setting, however...they get infinite level 1's as a capstone ability.
==Aelryinth
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Cantrips and Orisons, 0 level spells, are spells that a PC can cast "at will".
At will means that casting the spell requirs the normal casting time (usually 1 standard action), but that using it does not remove from the ability to use it again.
Light, as an example, is a cantrip for a Wizard. If a Wizard has Light memorized, he can cast it every round, all day, with only one Light spell memorized.
Hope that explanation helps.
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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There ought to be a metamagic feat along these lines:
Recursive Spell
Benefit: You may cast the affected spell at will, using up only one spell slot (used the first time in a day that you cast that spell). This ability to keep casting the spell lasts until the next time you refresh your spells per day - so the next time you prepare spells, or if you're a spontaneous caster, the next time you rest to regain spells. If you are a spontaneous caster who must spend a longer action to cast a spell affected by a metamagic feat, you need only spend the increased casting time the first time you cast the affected spell; additional castings are at the normal casting time. A recursive spell takes up a spell slot X levels higher than the spell's actual level.
I wonder how high X would have to be for this to not be broken...
There ought to be a metamagic feat along these lines:
I wonder how high X would have to be for this to not be broken...Recursive Spell
Benefit: You may cast the affected spell at will, using up only one spell slot (used the first time in a day that you cast that spell). This ability to keep casting the spell lasts until the next time you refresh your spells per day - so the next time you prepare spells, or if you're a spontaneous caster, the next time you rest to regain spells. If you are a spontaneous caster who must spend a longer action to cast a spell affected by a metamagic feat, you need only spend the increased casting time the first time you cast the affected spell; additional castings are at the normal casting time. A recursive spell takes up a spell slot X levels higher than the spell's actual level.
3.5 Archmage PRC had a discovery that allowed you to have an at will spell like ability but it cost you a permanent slot 8 levels higher. basically, unless you're epic that means 1st level spell at will at the cost of a 9th level spell.
...I wonder how high X would have to be for this to not be broken...
I think there were 2 ways to do it back in 3.x
One was the arch mage PrC as TCG mentioned.But I think one of the splat books also had a feat (with many prereq's) that also did it. But again I think it was like a 7 or 8 level metamagic. Don't remember exactly and don't have the books here at work.
Wasn't really broken. But it could be annoying for the DM. We had player that would just basically cast glitter dust every freakin round on every single spot in sight to make it 'harder for things to sneak up on us.' He'd been assassinated several times already...
...I wonder how high X would have to be for this to not be broken...I think there were 2 ways to do it back in 3.x
One was the arch mage PrC as TCG mentioned.
But I think one of the splat books also had a feat (with many prereq's) that also did it. But again I think it was like a 7 or 8 level metamagic. Don't remember exactly and don't have the books here at work.Wasn't really broken. But it could be annoying for the DM. We had player that would just basically cast glitter dust every freakin round on every single spot in sight to make it 'harder for things to sneak up on us.' He'd been assassinated several times already...
I vaguely remember that. I know you had to at least have silent, still, and quicken MM feats.
The feat is called "Innate Spell". It allows the chosen spell to be cast as a spell-like ability at will, without being expended. It uses a slot eight levels higher than the base spell.
Pre-requisites are Still Spell, Silent Spell & Quicken Spell.
Ouch. 3rd level spell maybe, but 1st level spell, and I have to burn 3 feats on top of the +8 slot adjustment. I like the idea though. I just have to rework it for my group.
