Rules Update: Invoking from Items and Surge Casting

Invoking Items
To invoke an ability from an item, simply say "Invoke X" where "X" is the name of the ability being invoked. Invoking an skill from an item in an OOG mechanic. To invoke a casted effect, the character must state "Invoke X" In-Game, where X is the name of the ability being invoked. Invoking a casted ability uses Surge Casting (i.e. - another casting effect cannot be invoked for 5 seconds), with the exception that the character must be able to speak. After Invoking the ability, the player may use the ability as they normally would - The delivery of casted abilities is not altered in any way by invoking them. In the case of skills that require a marshal, the player may invoke the skill to the marshal then use the skill within one minute or within a time frame given by the marshal.

Surge Casting
The caster may cast an effect immediately and instantly, without preparation. Once the effect is called, the caster has 5 seconds to release and deliver the spell. If the caster does not have a power source (casting points, runes, etc) to cast, the effect fails. If an effect is cast, but the caster is struck or otherwise interrupted, or the spell failed to be delivered, the source of the spell (casting points, runes etc) are expended as normal. A caster may invoke or use skills, including blocking with a weapon or shield, to defend themselves while casting. A surge caster must wait 5 seconds after delivering (or failing to deliver) an effect before they can attempt to surge cast again using the same mechanic (i.e. - invoking items, using an ability such as Spell Surge, or an inherent ability, such as being a Wild Mage). A character that is surge casting must be able to move their hands freely in order to cast, although they do not need to be able to speak or hear.

The two important bits from the above update:

1) There is a 5 second cooldown after invoking a spell from an item. You cannot spam spells from an item, just by invoking them as fast as you can say "Invoke X." Skills are unaffected, just like normal skills.

2) The cooldown of Surge Casting has been better defined. The cooldown only applies to the same method of casting - so a Wild Mage / Druid / Battlecaster could surge a Wild Mage spell, then Spell Surge (a specific skill) a Druid spell, then invoke an item, all without waiting for a cooldown. However, each use would have its own 5 second cooldown before that method could be used again.

To be clear: You must be able to speak in order to invoke a spell, but do not need to be able to speak to invoke a skill?

Correct. Just like calling "Parry" is an OOG act, so is invoking it. Just like saying the verbals for Fireball is an IG act, so is invoking it.