Can a Warlock's Eldritch Blast be countered?

[Storyteller01]

A pathetically short range of powers.

Seriously, though, does anyone actually use the counterspelling rules frequently enough that they count as a major balancing factor for anything?

Only reason I asked initailly is for an OGL class that may use it often. The class doesn't need to make a spellcraft check or cast a spell of the same school (in fact, the class doesn't even recognize other schools!!). They just cast their 'spell' at equivalent level and absorb the consequences...

One of my players is considering this class so he can work the 'counter specialist' angle.

 

[devilbat]

Somebody remind me what balances the Warlock class again?

grapplers and golems.

 

[Testament]

Somebody remind me what balances the Warlock class again?

:\

--fje

Narrow selection of powers, pitiful damage output (at 20th level its WOOOOH 9d6), enormous feat hunger, inability to deal with grapples. Did I mention the VERY narrow selection of powers?

 

[Kelleris]

Only reason I asked initailly is for an OGL class that may use it often. The class doesn't need to make a spellcraft check or cast a spell of the same school (in fact, the class doesn't even recognize other schools!!). They just cast their 'spell' at equivalent level and absorb the consequences...

One of my players is considering this class so he can work the 'counter specialist' angle.

That's cool, and I've also seen counterspell-focused builds that are pretty effective. But I still don't think that counterspellability, or the lack thereof, are really very serious considerations in balancing a class. Hence my puzzlement at Heap Thaumaturgist's comments.

 

[Wycen]

If I recall a long thread on the wizards forum, Minor Globe of Invulnerability was generally agreed upon as being able to counter the warlock's eldritch blast.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

If I recall a long thread on the wizards forum, Minor Globe of Invulnerability was generally agreed upon as being able to counter the warlock's eldritch blast.

Depending on what shapes and / or essensces had been applied, yes.

 

[Mouseferatu]

Narrow selection of powers, pitiful damage output (at 20th level its WOOOOH 9d6), enormous feat hunger, inability to deal with grapples. Did I mention the VERY narrow selection of powers?

Exactly.

I've heard several people claim the warlock was overpowered upon reading the class.

I've never heard anyone make that claim after playing it.

 

[tetsujin28]

A pathetically short range of powers.

Seriously, though, does anyone actually use the counterspelling rules frequently enough that they count as a major balancing factor for anything?

I've found them to be pretty pointless. Dispel magic is the only counterspelling that ever seems to be successful. I know there's a feat that lets you use any spell of the same school, but that requires the use of a spell of at least 1 level higher than the one being countered.

 

[tetsujin28]

Depending on what shapes and / or essensces had been applied, yes.

Because although a spell-like ability, for all intents and purposes an Eldritch Blast is considered a 1st level spell, until modified by shapes and/or essences.