What counts as a Prepared spell?

[Raveve]

Do spells that were prepared for the day but have had their slot spent count as prepared still? I am Wondering for the spell Channel the gift if a spell can be cast even if you already used it that day.

Relevant links: Prepare rules
Channel the gift

[Diego Rossi]

A prepared spell is one that is ready to be cast. An used spell isn't ready to be cast, so Chnnel the gift can't be used on it.

[Tom Sampson]

No, conventionally once you cast a prepared spell, that spell is gone so it's no longer regarded as a prepared spell.

The language on Pearl of Power also suggests that a prepared spell is a spell that has not yet been cast.

[Azothath]

there are two types of spellcasters/spellcasting: prepared and spontaneous.
> Prepared casters choose a set number of spells when they "prepare" and can leave "open slots"(spell slots) to "prepare" spells in later. They choose the spells to "prepare" from a list of learned spells which is a subset of their class spell list. So the spells they choose for that day to cast later are the prepared spells. That indication (of a spell being prepared) lasts until they prepare another spell in its place OR when it is cast. Sometimes prepared casters can go days retaining a prepared spell (like when they are captured and confined).
> Spontaneous casters have a known list and then X number of castings(spell slots) per spell level.

The pearl of power [slotless] $1000 ... recall any one spell that she had prepared and then cast that day. The spell is then prepared again, just as if it had not been cast. Thus prepared->cast. Recall(ed) is the term used to reinstate a prepared and cast spell as prepared.
Mnemonic Enhancer:T4 is another guide. Here the caster can prepare 3 spell levels or 'retain'/restore a prepared and cast spell which means it is prepared again. As both have 3 Spell Level limits there is really no practical difference between the options other than the second being more restrictive. A few Home Game GMs require prepared spells to be unique.

Channel the Gift:K3 clearly implies the caster must have the spell prepared or known (for the spell slot not to be expended). Something like a Page of Spell Knowledge, Ring {of the same ilk}, Spell Matrix, or Mnemonic Vestment open up possibilities.

Commentary:
Usually spontaneous casters have plenty of spell slots and prepared casters use magic items or pearls of power, so the only practical use of this spell is if the caster is a bit prescient of the situation and the caster or ally caster needs more of a particular spell(desperation), or if casting is restricted somehow. It could be cast using a bonded object if needed so prepared casters in a standard game should not prepare it. You may run across "memorize" which is equivalent to prepare for spell casting. One good thing is that you don't need to sacrifice a spell level with this spell.

it's a complicated game when you get into the details. Rules - Magic can be helpful. Most titles are links to more information.

[Dragonchess Player]

I will add that the arcanist prepares spells (which is why they don't qualify on their own for the dragon disciple PrC; "without preparation" is quite specific), even when they cast those prepared spells spontaneously using "open" spell slots.

Also, clerics can convert a prepared spell to cast a cure/inflict spell of the same spell level spontaneously and druids can convert a prepared spell to cast a summon nature's ally spell of the same spell level spontaneously.

[Mysterious Stranger]

Actually, Channel Gift specifies the second aspect (Spontaneously casting a prepared spell) does not work if you are a spontaneous caster.

[OmniMage]

I think there are 3 types of spellcasting, with the 3rd being hybrid spell casting. Its used by Arcanists. Its a combination of prepared and spontaneous spellcasting, allowing you to spontaneously cast known spells like a sorcerer, but able to change the known spells daily kinda like a wizard.

Or quickly with the quick study exploit. I wonder why its even an option since I consider it a must have. It should be free like a standard class feature.

I think hybrid spell casting would count as spontaneous spell casting for matters regarding pearls of power and runestones of power.

In regards to the spell mentioned in the op, channel the gift, it appears it would have diminished effect on spontaneous and hybrid spellcasters. The spell's purpose is to provide another spellcaster with a free spell. Its most potent for prepared spellcasters as it allows the target to cast one of their prepared spells without actually using it up, duplicating the effects of spontaneous spell casting. Spontaneous spell casters would get a free spell slot cause they already cast spells spontaneously. A prepared spell caster can targeting themselves and get spontaneous like spell casting, but a spontaneous spellcaster targeting themselves would have no effect because they already spontaneously cast spells.