[3.5] Metamagic That Isn't (2.0)

[Thurbane]

A long time ago I started a thread about this: [3.5] Metamagic That Isn't (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?367562-3-5-Metamagic-That-Isn-t)

This is a mini-project I want to work on, with community help.

Basically, I'm looking for a list of feats that alter spells without actually being "metamagic" feats, as such.

This time around, I'm hoping to compile a table for reference.

All input appreciated.

Cheers - T



Ashbound (ECS)
Ability Enhancer (DMC)
Augment Healing (CD)
Augment Summoning (PHB)
Battle Blessing (CC)
Bane Magic (HoH)
Beckon the Frozen (Fr)
Elven Spell Lore (PHB II)
Energy Gestalt (CM)
Greenbound Summoning (LEoF)
Magic of the Land (RotW)
Rashemi Elemental Summoning (UE)
Snowcasting (Fr)

[Thurbane]

-reserved for table-

[SangoProduction]

Ability Enhancer - Any transmutation spell you cast that enhances ability scores increases the ability scores by +2 more than it normally does.

[A_S]

Cloudy Conjuration (CM) - Makes smoke when you cast a Conjuration spell.
Spell Thematics (PGtF) - Your spells look cooler.

[Extra Anchovies]

I'm guessing you're not looking for things that just increase caster level, e.g. reserve feats.

What about non-feat abilities which don't replicate metamagic effects, like the Alienist's Summon Alien?

Bane Magic (Heroes of Horror) increases spell damage against a selected creature type by 2d6. The HoH version refers to an aberration-specific version of the feat in Lords of Madness; LoM's Aberration Banemagic, however, also increases save DCs by 2 and describes the feat's function in more detail. I recommend using the LoM effects and the HoH list of valid type selections. Of note is that it doesn't just increase hit point damage, so it works nicely Ray of Stupidity or other ability-damage spells.

[Ruethgar]

I don't have all of the Dragon numbers, but spell templates(and thus the feats required by them) seem to fit that. War spell, Elemalific, Invigorating, Bloodleach, Concussive are a few of my favorite. Also, technically speaking, if you have a way to learn them, Living Spells are still castable(Magical Affinity does not have spell selection limitations beyond level which would make this possible as an example even if only for 0lvl spells). There are also the Magical Side Effects of I think DR 313.

[daremetoidareyo]

Dragon Compendium has a list of feats that apply templates to spells on page 147.

Bloodthirsty: make every spell vampiric touch
elemalefic spellcaster: add evil elemental lingering spirits
ethereal tendril
invigorating spellcaster
spellbinder
spellstrike
superior summons

Edit: ninja'd... kind of.

[Anthrowhale]

Poison Spell (DotU) Add poison to a touch spell

Southern Magician (SS) Swap Arcane/Divine.

There are several other feats affecting casting time. (Rapid Metamagic, Accelerate Metamagic, Uncanny Forethought).

[eggynack]

Augment elemental from magic of eberron is a thing. Basically just augment summoning for elementals. Also, if greenbound and rashemi count, then maybe child of winter.

[Endarire]

Eschew Material Components. Was metamagic in 3.0, but no longer.

[Jormengand]

Bolster Resistance, Corpsecrafter, Deadly Chill, Destruction Retribution, Hardened Flesh and Nimble Bones from LM, Ignore Material Components from ELH.

[Kaje]

Most obvious one: spell focus.

[daremetoidareyo]

These are not feats, but are spell components that act as feats:
Optional spell components that act as heightened spells from complete mage p.135
angel down: extend spell for abjurations
devil's eye: heighten divinations by 1
dragon tear: fire or mind affecting spell heightened by 1
fairy button: widen illusions
fairy dust: extends transmutations
golden desert honey: rapid spell conjuration (summoning) spells
possibility dust: extends creation spells
primal essence: replaces spell components of up 100gp value
serpent's tongue: extends enchantments
singing shell: widens or enlarges sonic spells

Also those special divine focuses and power components from completes divine p.131 that act as weird spell enhancers:

Blood-Face of Erythnul: When used as a focus for illusion spells or spells with the chaotic designator, a blood-face of Erythnul increases the save DC by 1.
Barbs of Hextor: When used to cast Evil domain spells or spells that have the evil descriptor, this symbol increases your effective caster level by 1.
Bolt of Heironeous: When used to cast Good domain spells or spells that have the good descriptor, this symbol increases your effective caster level by 1.
Devastation of Nerull: When used to cast a spell from the necromancy school or the Death domain, or when brandished to rebuke or command (not turn or destroy) unintelligent undead, this symbol increases your effective caster level by 1.
Ehlonna’s Brooch:When used as a focus for a summon animal or summon monster spell, each creature summoned gains +1 hit point per Hit Die.
Fharlanghn’s Badge: When brandished during the casting of any spell that increases a creature’s speed (or even one that imparts a new mode of movement, such as fly), Fharlanghn’s badge increases the target’s speed by an additional 5 feet. This item has no effect on spells that magically transport a character from one place to another (such as teleport or dimension door).
Obad-Hai’s Green Man: When used to cast spells from the Animal or Plant domain, Obad-Hai’s green man increases your caster level by 2.
Mirror of Olidammara: When held forth during the casting of Luck domain spells or spells that have the chaotic descriptor, the mirror of Olidammara increases your effective caster level by 1.
Moradin’s Forge: When used to cast Earth domain spells or spells that have the earth descriptor, Moradin’s forge increases the save DC by 1.
Nugget of Garl Glittergold:When used to cast Trickery domain or illusion spells, a nugget of Garl Glittergold increases your effective caster level by 1.
Ruby Skull of Wee Jas: When used as a focus for Death domain or necromancy spells, a ruby skull of Wee Jas increases your effective caster level by 1.
Silver Badge of Larethian: When displayed while casting Protection domain or abjuration spells, a silver badge of Larethian increases your effective caster level by 1.
Stone Socket of Gruumsh: When used to cast War domain spells or spells that have the evil descriptor, a stone socket of Gruumsh grants a bonus equal to +1 per damage die on damage rolls made for the spells.
Sun Disk of Pelor: When used to cast Sun domain or conjuration (healing) spells, a sun disk of Pelor grants a +1 bonus on healing (or damage) rolls made for the spells.
Talisman of Boccob: When used to cast Knowledge domain or divination spells, a talisman of Boccob grants you a +1 bonus on caster level checks and on any follow-up Spellcraft checks necessary to complete the spell (such as those required for detect magic).
Vanguard of Kord: When used to cast Luck domain or transmutation spells, a vanguard of Kord increases your effective caster level by 1.
Vecna’s Hand and Eye: When used to cast any spell from the Knowledge or Magic domain, Vecna’s hand and eye increases your effective caster level and the save DCs by 1.
War Cross of St. Cuthbert: When used to cast any mind-affecting spell or to turn (not rebuke) undead, a war cross of St. Cuthbert increases your effective divine caster level by 1.
Yondalla’s Cornucopia: When used to cast Law domain spells, spells that have the good descriptor, or spells that create food or water (such as create food and water or heroes’ feast), a cornucopia of Yondalla increases your effective caster level by 1.


Angel’s Blood: When blended with specific poisons and used as a component in the casting of any spell that has the evil descriptor, angel’s blood increases the save DC by 1. Price: 85 gp.
Ashes of Power: When used as a component in the casting of dispel magic, greater dispel magic, or break enchantment, this powder allows the caster to make two dispel checks and choose the better result. Price: 1,750 gp. Aurial Sapphire: When an aurial sapphire is used as a component in the casting of any Air domain spell or spell that has the air descriptor,the spell is affected as if by the Quicken Spell feat, but without any level increase. Price: 215 gp.
Crypt Powder: When used as a component in the casting of any spell that targets either corpses or undead, this powder increases both the save DC and the caster level by 1. Price: 150 gp.
Doppelganger Bile: When specially distilled and used as a component in the casting of any spell that grants invisibility or a bonus on Disguise checks, doppelganger bile doubles the duration of the effect. Price: 95 gp.
Dragon Ruby: When used as a component in the casting of any spell that has the fire descriptor, a dragon ruby doubles that spell’s area. Price: 175 gp.
Essence of Order: Anyone breathing this vapor is cured of 1 point of mental ability damage caused by a poison or disease. A single dose is usable only once. When used as a component in the casting of any spell that has the law descriptor, essence of order increases the save DC by 1. Price: 300 gp.
Feather of the Far Reaches: If used as a component in the casting of any Travel domain spell, it either adds 10 feet to the speed (if the spell grants a new or improved mode of movement) or increases the effective caster level by 1. Price: 95 gp.
Game of Fate: When used as a component in the casting of any spell that grants a bonus on attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, or checks, such a die—known as a game of fate—produces one of three effects: +1 caster level (01–45), double duration (46–90), or restoration of a spell as per a pearl of power (91–100). Price: 550 gp.
Guardinal Feather: When one is used as a component in the casting of any spell that grants either energy resistance or a bonus to Armor Class, it increases the value of that protection by 2. Price: 600 gp.
Hero’s Tears: If these hero’s tears are used as a component in the casting of any spell that has the good descriptor, they increase the effective caster level by 2. Price: 675 gp.
Horn of Gorgon: When used as a component in the casting of any spell that enhances Strength—whether by an enhancement bonus, a size increase, or any other means—it adds 2 to the subject’s Strength, on top of the spell’s normal effects. Price: 575 gp.
Kiss of Discord: When ingested, it causes hallucinations (1d3 hours, Fort DC 13 negates, treat as confusion). If used as a component in the casting of any spell that has the chaos descriptor, it increases the effective caster level by 2. Price: 310 gp.
Obaddis Leaf: If it is then used as a component in the casting of a Plant domain spell or any spell that specifically targets plants, it doubles both the area and the duration. Price: 130 gp.
Pearl of the Waves: If this pearl is used as a component in the casting of any Water domain spell or a spell that has the water descriptor, the spell is affected as if by the Quicken Spell feat, but without any change in spell slot. Price: 225 gp.
Scholar’s Dreams: When used as a component in the casting of any Knowledge domain spell, this ivy—known as scholar’s dreams—doubles both the range and the duration. Price: 175 gp.
Soil of Stone: If used as a component in the casting of any Earth domain spell or a spell that has the earth descriptor, it doubles the duration. Price: 65 gp.
Sunflower of Pelor: When used as a component in the casting of any Sun domain spell or a spell that has the light descriptor, these petals double its area. Price: 100 gp.
Talon of Ehlonna: When used as a component in the casting of any Animal domain spell or a spell that specifically targets animals, the talon increases the effective caster level by 2. Price: 370 gp.
True Warrior’s Blade: When used as a component in the casting of any divine spell that deals hit point damage, this blade increases the damage dealt by 2 points per spell level. Price: 650 gp.
Twilight Green: A distant relative of belladonna, this herb is a deadly poison (ingestion, DC 14 Fortitude negates, primary and secondary damage 1d4 Constitution). When used as a component in the casting of any spell that deals negative energy damage, however, twilight green increases that damage by 1 point per spell level. Price: 250 gp.
Unicorn Horn: If a horn taken from a unicorn that has died of natural causes is used as a component in the casting of any touch spell that has the healing descriptor, it transforms the spell into a ray with a 30-foot range. Price: 190 gp.

[daremetoidareyo]

Stalwart planar ally: When you use a spell or spell-like ability summon a creature native to a plane that has a planar touchstone site to which you have forged a link (see the Planar Touchstone feat), you imbue the creature with exceptional resilience. The creature gains a +4 bonus to its Armor Class and on saving throws for the duration of the summoning effect. Furthermore, the duration of the summoning effect that brought the creature is doubled.

(also works with water devotion!)

[Thurbane]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I'll update the OP and start formatting a table when I get the chance.

[animewatcha]

Horn of Gorgon: When used as a component in the casting of any spell that enhances Strength—whether by an enhancement bonus, a size increase, or any other means—it adds 2 to the subject’s Strength, on top of the spell’s normal effects. Price: 575 gp

So this in conjunction with wish spells can mean for a +7 inherent bonus to strength?

[Powerdork]

So this cast in conjunction with wish spells can mean for a +7 inherent bonus to strength?

Depends on whether or not "An inherent bonus may not exceed +5 for a single ability score" is the more specific rule. Still, 'two to five' castings of wish with horn of gorgon can grant up to a +5 inherent bonus, so theoretically this effect can reduce the number of castings needed (provided the parenthetical is 'reminder text' for the way it adds up).

[daremetoidareyo]

eldritch corruption from HOH

[weckar]

And here I thought this would be about things like Miser with Magic... Things claiming to be metamagic that aren't.

[eggynack]

Pearl of the Waves: If this pearl is used as a component in the casting of any Water domain spell or a spell that has the water descriptor, the spell is affected as if by the Quicken Spell feat, but without any change in spell slot. Price: 225 gp.
Just saw this one today when arbitrarily looking through complete champion after having researched spontaneous divination. That kinda price for quickening is insane. Bumps up any combat spell with the water descriptor, like blackwater tentacle, mudslide, or red tide, by a ton. Definitely going in the handbook. Also aurial sapphire, which is the same, except only 215 GP, for the air descriptor, and, given your list, not also present in complete divine. Just saw that one when looking back through cause there's a lotta potential in these things. Cheap quickening is always great.

Edit: Oh, here's a funny one. Doppelganger's bile doubles the duration of things which grant invisibility or a bonus to disguise checks. Well, guess what ridiculously powerful and high level spell that always wants extension grants a bonus to disguise checks? Shapechange. And it's 95 GP. That's gotta be the best deal for that effect.

Double-edit: Nah, just missed the sapphire because it's out of phase with the rest of the list.

[daremetoidareyo]

mutable body: By spending 2 action points, you can have any transmutation spell cast on you effectively empowered or extended (as if under the effect of Empower Spell or Extend Spell,

[Zaq]

Cloudy Conjuration (CM) - Makes smoke when you cast a Conjuration spell.
Spell Thematics (PGtF) - Your spells look cooler.

There's actually lots of feats like Cloudy Conjuration in Complete Mage. Specifically, there's Dazzling Illusion, Energy Abjuration, Fearsome Necromancy, Insightful Divination, Piercing Evocation, Toughening Transmutation, and Unsettling Enchantment.

[A_S]

There's actually lots of feats like Cloudy Conjuration in Complete Mage. Specifically, there's Dazzling Illusion, Energy Abjuration, Fearsome Necromancy, Insightful Divination, Piercing Evocation, Toughening Transmutation, and Unsettling Enchantment.
These all sound like they should be flavors of novelty candies in Harry Potter.