Spark
- lvl 0 = 1
- lvl 1 = 3
- lvl 2 = 6
- lvl 3 = 9
- lvl 4 = 12
- lvl 5 = 15
- lvl 6 = 18
- lvl 7 = 21
- lvl 8 = 24
- lvl 9 = 27
A spark is a generic measure of magical power that is equivalent to about 1/3 a spell slot. The concept is introduced in order to allow casters to expend less power than a full spell slot for things like metamagic feats or Prestidignation-like powers. It is closely linked to Spell Trickery as well as magic residue.
A character uses a spell that transforms a spell slot into "free-floating energy" related to their person that can be used for manipulating other spells or perform small tricks. The energy is available for a time period (usually 24 hours) regardless of resting or other effects. They can be seen as an enchantment and can be dispelled if targeted directly (they get a saving throw) or they will simply be supressed like a magic item if not directly targeted.
Even smaller fractions of power can be used, called twinkles. A twinkle is exactly a tenth of a spark and are entirely interchangable with sparks at will, as a free action.
Pathfinder
A spark is meant to be roughly equivalent to a level-0 spell, but since Pathfinder lets pure casters use any amount of level-0 spells per day, they need alternative rules. In this case time will be the factor included.
Usage
A spark is used in conjunction with meta-magic feats as well as for other, minor tasks. Using a spark with a meta-magic feat follows the rules stated on the feat requiring it and does not use additional time or actions to perform. If a separate action uses a spark, it usually involves a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity if the caster does not have combat casting.
Creating Sparks
All casters recieves Create Spark and Create Lasting Spark in addition to their regular lists. Regardless if the character can cast spontaneously or not, she can always cast one of these two spell spontaneously. An additional difference between these spells and most others is that the caster can choose what level spell slot she wants to use for the spell.
Create Spark
- Level: 0
- Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Can be cast spontaneously.
Creates three Sparks per spell level used (level 0 spells create 1 Spark). See Table 1:1 Sparks. The Sparks last for a 24-hour period or until used.
For example: casting Create Sparks with a lvl 2 spell slot will create six Sparks that the caster can use in the next 24 hours. Note that if the caster casts the Create Sparks spell just before resting, normal limiting rules apply.
Note that Sparks can not be used to spontaneously cast (or prepare) regular spells.
Create Lasting Spark
- Level: 1
Can be cast spontaneously.
As Create Spark, only that the spell must be cast during spell preparation and takes 1 minute per spell level (level 0 spells takes 30 seconds) and creates Lasting Sparks instead of regular Sparks.
The spell creates 1/3 as many Sparks as Create Spark, but they last for 72 hours instead of 24.