Quintessense and Spellcasting

[Maquise]

I was wondering what effect quintessense would have to spellcasters in a full magic-psionics transparency game. The "double point-cost" wouldn't really transfer over to spells very well, especially prepared casters.

[supermonkeyjoe]

Good question, I see several options:

1. it does nothing, it only affects psionics for whatever reason.

2. the caster needs to make a DC16 will save or lose a spell slot of the same level as the spell being cast.

3. the spell takes a full round action to cast rather than a standard action.

[ericgrau]

I'd go #2 except I'd also allow the caster to expend a spell slot of a higher level if he doesn't have one of the same level. I suspect the real rule is #1 though.

I wonder why quintessence wouldn't be sold on the open market. 4480 gp per pound (16 ounces) by standard spell casting services cost. Seems like many melee characters would want a pound of it. OTOH casters usually get more than 5 feet away before casting. Perhaps attached to a net.