Prerequisite: Spellcasting.
Benefit: You can create a magic item that stores constantly one or more spells that you know. A constant magic item is one of the following:
Constant magic items with powers that can be accessed at will usually require
a command word to operate. Command word activation means that a character speaks
the word and the item activates. No other special knowledge is needed. A command
word can be a real word, but when this is the case, the holder of the item runs
the risk of activating the item accidentally by speaking the word in normal
conversation. More often, the command word is some seemingly nonsensical word,
or a word or phrase from an ancient language no longer in common use. Activating
a command word magic item is a standard action and does not provoke attacks
of opportunity.
Constant magic items that work continuously still have to be used in order to
operate. A character has to wear a cloak, swing a sword, interpose a shield
to deflect a blow in combat, look through a lens, wear a ring, or don a hat.
Use activation is generally straightforward and self-explanatory. Many use-activated
items are objects that a character wears, but a few must simply be in the character's
possession (on their person). Some items made for wearing must still be activated.
Although this activation sometimes requires a command word (see above), usually
it means mentally willing the activation to happen. The description of an item
states whether a command word is needed in such a case. Unless stated otherwise,
activating a use-activated magic item is either a standard action (if using
the item takes time before the magical effect occurs) or not an action at all.
In either case, it does not provoke attacks of opportunity, unless the use involves
performing an action that provokes an attack of opportunity in itself.
The purchase DC of a constant magic item is the cost of the masterwork item
(minimum 10) + 8 + Magic Power + (Magic Power divided by 2 and rounded up).
Increase the purchase DC by 2 if the item has up to 5 uses a day. Increase the
purchase DC by 3 if the item has more than 5 uses a day, no limit on the number
of uses, works continuously, or works continuously unless turned off. Increase
the purchase DC by 1 if the item does not use up a body slot when used.
Sample masterwork item costs: shortspear (purchase DC 10), ring (purchase
DC 10), longsword (purchase DC 14).