Do you have to hold metamagic rods to use them?

[RangerWickett]

I can't seem to find a line that says you have to hold a rod to gain its effects. I want to have an eldritch knight character wield a greatsword but still be able to get off the occasional quickened spell with a metamagic rod of quicken. Can I just keep the rod tucked into, like, a baldric?

 

[3d6]

There doesn't seem to be a general rule governing the use of rods, so I think you just need to have a rod in your possession unless specified otherwise.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Each metamagic rod description specifies "wielder". Can your eldritch knight wield his greatsword while tucked into his baldric? The description of the rods coupled with "Details relating to rod use vary from item to item. See the individual descriptions for specifics." makes me pretty sure that the rules intend you to have the rod in your hand/tentacle/etc. (wielded), not just in your belt.

Otoh, I houserule that you need not have them in your actual hand to use them. It makes spellcasting impossible for any caster who wants to keep a shield or a weapon in hand, and I don't really like that. I don't think it's unbalanced either.

 

[Dog Moon]

This is why I always liked the idea of turning the hilt of your blade into a rod [of course strengthened and hilt-shaped]. That way, you're always holding it anyway.

 

[Herobizkit]

That's pure genius, Dog Moon. In the same vein, why not just make a metamagic ring, or headband, or boots?

 

[Dog Moon]

That's pure genius, Dog Moon. In the same vein, why not just make a metamagic ring, or headband, or boots?

Hey, at least the hilt and a rod are similar in shape. I don't like the idea of it being anything else though. For some reason, I like the idea of holding the Wand in your hand cause you cast the spell in your hand and channel it through the rod, but as long as it's in your hand, whatever shape is fine with me.

Note though, that I've never really liked Rods and beyond the metamagic Rods, I don't think I've ever purchased one, and they are RARELY given out as treasure when I'm DM, so of course I would try to find ways to turn the Rods into non-Rods.

 

[Three_Haligonians]

You could avoid the issue with a casting glove from the DMG II. In case a reader doesn't know, it is just like a glove of storing only it lets you activate the item stored.

You know, in case it turns out you have to wield it.

J from Three Haligonians

 

[Infiniti2000]

This is why I always liked the idea of turning the hilt of your blade into a rod [of course strengthened and hilt-shaped].

...and much smaller and MUCH MUCH lighter and more expensive...

 

[Jack Simth]

Store it in a sheath similar to that used for a light mace, and take Quick Draw.

Free action to release your greatsword, free action to draw the rod, Swift action to cast the Quickened spell, free action to draw Greatsword # 2.....

Of course, if you can convince the DM that you only need to let go with one hand to both cast the spell and use the rod, then drop the rod and re-grab the greatsword as free actions.....

 

[green slime]

Dropping the rod after demonstrating its power doesn't seem like a good idea to me. . .