Planar Binding and SLAs

[Alleran]

A theory question on rules and spell interaction for the Playground.

Assuming the following scenario:

- PC Spellcaster with access to Planar Binding spells.
- Manages to use a technique to get said spell as a SLA.

Now, the Planar Binding spell notes a few things:

- 10 minute casting time.
- Dimensional Anchor for additional effects.
- Requires a Magic Circle Against Evil, focused inward.

The first is noted, since it may or may not be obviated by SLAs as a standard action unless noted otherwise. It's the other effects that I'm curious about, such as the last one. Assuming that the Planar Binding was gained as a SLA, would it still require things like the Magic Circle? While the spell becoming an SLA can remove material components or focus components from the mix, the Magic Circle doesn't seem to be either, though it is part of the trap that the spell must be cast "on" (the target of the spell that lures the creature).

Would the Magic Circle, in the opinion of others, still be a necessary component of the Planar Binding spell? Can you use it at all without the Magic Circle trap present?

What about a Planar Ally? You don't need to pay the XP cost for it, but would you still have to pay the gold price that the creature demands for its assistance?

[Kelb_Panthera]

Yes, you still need to use magic circle + dimensional anchor if you don't want the called creature to be completely free to act upon arrival. This is -not- part of the planar binding spell itself. The details for a calling diagram aren't even described in planar binding.

Note also that it's not strictly necessary to create a binding circle to call a creature normally via planar binding and make a deal with them if they're not prone to immediate aggression and you don't plan to be a prick about getting it to do what you want.

Planar ally as a SLA gets rid of the xp component but the fees the outsider demands aren't a part of the spell itself. They're described in the spell's description as a guideline for what an appropriate fee is and the NPC may ask for more or less at the DM's discretion based on the task being asked of it.