
The only exception to this is Quicken Spell which, instead of increasing the casting time, decreases the casting time by 2 steps to a minimum of one swift action. These effects are cumulative for every metamagic feat applied. In addition, the sphere effect’s casting time increases by 1 step. To use a metamagic feat, the caster must spend a number of additional spell points equal to the level increase of the metamagic feat.

A caster may choose to augment their sphere effect with an appropriate metamagic feat at the time of casting.

Applying a metamagic feat to a sphere effect is similar to, but slightly different from, how a spontaneous caster applies a metamagic feat to a spell.
