Nonlethal Substitution

(Complete Arcane, page 81, DnD 3.5)

[Metamagic]

You can modify an energy spell to deal nonlethal damage.

Prerequisite

Knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks, any metamagic feat

Benefit

Choose one type of energy (acid, cold, electricity, or fire). You can then modify any spell with the chosen descriptor to deal nonlethal damage instead of normal energy damage. The nonlethal spell works normally in all respects except the type of damage dealt--for example, a nonlethal "fireball":/spells/players-handbook-v35--6/fireball--2612/ has the same range and area, but since it deals nonlethal damage instead of energy damage, it will not damage objects or set fire to combustibles in the area. A nonlethal spell uses a spell slot one level higher than the spell's normal level.