Can You Store Metamagic Spells in a Ring of Spell Storing? A Deep Dive

The Ring of Spell Storing is a fascinating and powerful magic item in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e). It allows players to store spells within it, offering a unique tactical advantage. However, questions often arise regarding its specific interactions with various spellcasting mechanics. One such question revolves around metamagic, a powerful tool used by Sorcerers to alter the properties of their spells. So, can you store spells modified by metamagic in a Ring of Spell Storing?

The short, direct answer is no, you cannot store the metamagic effects themselves within the ring. The Ring of Spell Storing stores the base spell and not the adjustments made by metamagic. When a spell is cast into the ring, the only aspects that transfer over are the save DC, spell attack bonus, and spellcasting ability of the original caster. The metamagic effects are not retained. The spell is then treated as if the wearer cast it. Therefore, when someone activates the stored spell from the ring, they will cast the base spell as it originally was, without any metamagic modifications.

Understanding How the Ring of Spell Storing Works

To fully understand why metamagic cannot be stored, let’s break down how the Ring of Spell Storing functions. The key points are:

• Storage Capacity: The ring can store up to 5 levels worth of spells at any given time.
• Spell Casting: Any creature can cast a spell of 1st through 5th level into the ring by touching it as the spell is cast.
• No Immediate Effect: When a spell is cast into the ring, it has no immediate effect other than being stored. The spell’s primary effect is negated.
• Transferable Attributes: The only things carried over from the original casting are save DC, spell attack bonus, and spellcasting ability.
• User’s Casting: Once stored, the spell is treated as if the wearer of the ring is the one casting it. This includes their spellcasting modifier and spell list restrictions.

Why Metamagic Doesn’t Stick

Metamagic is a caster-specific ability; it’s not a property of the spell itself. When a Sorcerer uses metamagic, they are manipulating the spellcasting process at the moment of casting. Think of it like modifying a car. Metamagic alters how the car (the spell) performs at that moment, not changing its inherent nature.

The Ring of Spell Storing captures the essence of the spell, it’s base form not the temporary modifications made. It’s capturing the car, not the temporary changes to the engine. Because metamagic is a real-time, active modification, it is not a static property that can be captured and held by the ring. It’s the act of the sorcerer that makes the metamagic function.

Example Scenario

Let’s say a Sorcerer casts a Fireball (3rd level) and uses the Careful Spell metamagic option to protect their allies from the blast. They then attempt to store this modified Fireball into the ring. When the wearer of the ring activates it later, they will cast a basic Fireball, without any of the benefits of Careful Spell. It’s simply the base Fireball spell that is stored, not the modified version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 related frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of the Ring of Spell Storing:

1. Can you store ritual spells in the Ring of Spell Storing?

Yes, you can store ritual spells in the ring. The process of casting a ritual into the ring remains unchanged with regards to the casting time and components, but no effect occurs, save that the spell is stored within the ring.

2. Can you store smite spells in a Ring of Spell Storing?

You can store smite spells (like Banishing Smite) because they are spells. However, abilities like Divine Smite, which are not spells but features that augment an attack, cannot be stored within the Ring of Spell Storing.

3. Can a familiar cast spells from a Ring of Spell Storing?

Absolutely. A familiar can attune to and use the Ring of Spell Storing, just like any other creature. This offers a fantastic tactical option for players with familiars.

4. Can you attune to two Rings of Spell Storing?

No, you cannot attune to more than one copy of the same magic item, including the Ring of Spell Storing. Attunement restrictions prevent you from gaining multiple benefits from the same kind of item.

5. Can a Warlock effectively use a Ring of Spell Storing?

Warlocks have difficulty with the ring because they have no direct control over the level of the spell slots used to cast their spells. This makes it hard to manage how many spells they can store effectively.

6. Can a Paladin effectively use a Ring of Spell Storing?

Paladins can use the Ring of Spell Storing, though they need to be mindful of supplying required components, especially if they find themselves in combat. Managing components might be easier for full-casters than paladins.

7. What’s the best rare item for a Paladin?

A Belt of Giant Strength is often considered one of the best rare items for a Paladin. This will increase the Paladin’s strength to a fixed level.

8. Can you cast two spells if one is a bonus action?

You can cast a bonus action spell followed by a cantrip with an action casting time, but you can’t cast any other full action spell. You are limited to one action spell per turn.

9. Can you counterspell a spell storing item’s effect?

No, you cannot counterspell a spell released from the ring because the wielder is not actively casting it. The effect from the Ring of Spell Storing is a result of a stored spell, not an act of casting.

10. Can you use subclass spells with the Ring of Spell Storing?

Yes. For example, Artificer subclass spells are effectively on the artificer spell list and thus, can be stored in the Ring of Spell Storing. This includes subclass spells.

11. Can Wizards cast any ritual spell?

Wizards are excellent ritual casters and can cast any ritual spell written in their spellbook. They can also learn spells from other class lists by taking the Ritual Caster Feat.

12. How good is a Ring of Spell Storing 5e?

The Ring of Spell Storing is highly versatile, allowing players to store up to 5 levels of spells at a time for later use. It’s a solid, useful magic item that provides extra versatility, making it a good choice for most characters.

13. What makes the Ring of Spell Storing good for monks?

Monks benefit by storing spells through the Ring of Spell Storing. It mitigates their lack of inherent spellcasting, allowing the party’s spellcasters to prepare spells into the ring that the Monk can use later.

14. How many rings can you wear in 5e?

You can wear as many mundane rings as you desire. For non-attuned magical rings, the number is determined by your DM. You are limited to 3 attuned magical items at any one time.

15. What is the highest spell slot that you can store in a Ring of Spell Storing?

You can store spell slots up to a maximum of 5th level. If a spell requires a higher level slot, you will need to upcast the spell using a slot to the maximum level of the ring (5th).

Conclusion

The Ring of Spell Storing is a potent and versatile magic item in D&D 5e. However, its interaction with metamagic is clear: it only stores the base spell and not the temporary modifications applied by metamagic. This limitation reinforces the strategic value of the ring, as players must plan accordingly when using it. Always consider the spell’s base form, component requirements, and the nuances of its casting when integrating the Ring of Spell Storing into your strategies.