Another Counterspell question

[Simulacrum]

Is it possible to counterspell a spell even if you cant see & hear the caster...like you know something is comming through that something lurks in that pitch black tunnel full of magical darkness, you prepare to counterspell---> suddenly a ball of fire comes at you swiftly. Can you counterspell or not? Can you dispel the Fireball in mid air? If yes that would be cool and would make defensive casting even better than most realize....

 

[maddman75]

I wouldn't allow that personally. Presumably even with a quickened spell, there is some sign that the wizard is casting a spell. Maybe mystical energy around him, a look of firm concentration, etc. This is obvious because not only are these spells counterable, they provoke attacks of opportunity.

Edit - My bad, they don't provoke AoOs. Nothing in the FAQ about counterspelling silent + stilled spells, but it does state that quickened spells can be countered.

 

[Destil]

I wouldn't allow that personally. Presumably even with a quickened spell, there is some sign that the wizard is casting a spell. Maybe mystical energy around him, a look of firm concentration, etc. This is obvious because not only are these spells counterable, they provoke attacks of opportunity.

Edit - My bad, they don't provoke AoOs. Nothing in the FAQ about counterspelling silent + stilled spells, but it does state that quickened spells can be countered.

Quickend spells still require all components, they simply are used faster. "With a single word and a powerfull gestutre" to quote some DMG flavor text.

According to the PH (74) "...you must be able to see or hear the spell's verbal or somatic components." to identify a spell as it's being cast. While there's a second thread going on about this right now the rules are fairly clear, really.