D&D General Alternate firearms rules (input needed)

[Tormyr]

The more I think about it, the more making (these homebrewed) firearms magic items makes the most sense, even if they end up a custom category or casting a custom « spell ». All the infrastructure is already in the game and well-integrated; might as well use it.

Is it okay for a creature to counterspell a firearm?

 

[Laurefindel]

Is it okay for a creature to counterspell a firearm?

Actually, yes it is! First, firearms using a gunpowder considered a magical alchemical substance is not without precedent, and it provides a countermeasure against a weapon that otherwise deals automatic damage.

I can easily imagine magic triggering or jamming the mechanism of a crossbow, extinguishing Greek fire and neutralizing acid, so blocking the (al)chemical reaction of a firearm is quite within the realm of what magic can do.

short of making a new category of items, I prefer early firearms to be reflavored wands than reflavored crossbows.

 

[Clint_L]

Is it okay for a creature to counterspell a firearm?

I don't think you can counterspell an item, can you?

You attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. The creature makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the spell dissipates with no effect, and the action, Bonus Action, or Reaction used to cast it is wasted. If that spell was cast with a spell slot, the slot isn’t expended.

Reaction*

* - which you take when you see a creature within 60 feet of yourself casting a spell with Verbal, Somatic, or Material components

 

[Laurefindel]

I don't think you can counterspell an item, can you?

I don’t have the 2024 DMG, but in 5e2014, a wand doesn’t produce a magical effect on its own, it allows the wielded to cast a spell using a charge instead of a spell slot. Since you’re casting the spell from t he wand, counterspell should work.

But as I said, I don’t have the new DMG (or a D&D beyond subscription) to verify.

[edit] It seems not all wands are the same, but counterspell can effectively counter a spell cast from an item such as a wand (like a wand of magic missile), but not a specific effect that isn't a spell produced by the item (like a wand of pyrotechnics)

 

[Clint_L]

I don’t have the 2024 DMG, but in 5e2014, a wand doesn’t produce a magical effect on its own, it allows the wielded to cast a spell using a charge instead of a spell slot. Since you’re casting the spell from t he wand, counterspell should work.

But as I said, I don’t have the new DMG (or a D&D beyond subscription) to verify.

[edit] It seems not all wands are the same, but counterspell can effectively counter a spell cast from an item such as a wand (like a wand of magic missile), but not a specific effect that isn't a spell produced by the item (like a wand of pyrotechnics)

What's the source on a counterspell being able to counter a spell cast from an item? From the wording of counterspell, in order to counter a spell it requires the caster to "see a creature within 60 feet of yourself casting a spell with Verbal, Somatic, or Material components." Casting from an item doesn't require any of those; you don't even have to be a spellcaster.

 

[Laurefindel]

What's the source on a counterspell being able to counter a spell cast from an item? From the wording of counterspell, in order to counter a spell it requires the caster to "see a creature within 60 feet of yourself casting a spell with Verbal, Somatic, or Material components." Casting from an item doesn't require any of those; you don't even have to be a spellcaster.

As i said I'd have to check in the new DMG, but loads of characters can cast spells without being spellcasters now. I don't know whether using a magic item such as a wand items counts as a somatic and/or material component, or rather, whether it becomes a spell focus that replaces the material component.

Which makes me wonder, would the '24 counterspell work against a spell using a spell focus as the only component (Sorcerer with Subtle metamagic?) assuming the LoS and distance requirements are met?

 

[Clint_L]

As i said I'd have to check in the new DMG, but loads of characters can cast spells without being spellcasters now. I don't know whether using a magic item such as a wand items counts as a somatic and/or material component, or rather, whether it becomes a spell focus that replaces the material component.

Which makes me wonder, would the '24 counterspell work against a spell using a spell focus as the only component (Sorcerer with Subtle metamagic?) assuming the LoS and distance requirements are met?

I think it would not work if the spell didn't require material components that are consumed or have a cost, according to the specific wording of the counterspell and the specific wording of subtle spell:

When you cast a spell, you can spend 1 Sorcery Point to cast it without any Verbal, Somatic, or Material components, except Material components that are consumed by the spell or that have a cost specified in the spell.

Indeed, getting past counterspell seems like one of the intended benefits of subtle spell.