Can you use Spellcraft while casting a Spell?

[Lord Vangarel]

This came up during last nights game:

The wizard was casting a full round spell (Summon Monster 3) when an enemy spellcaster decided to cast a spell. The player said I'll use spellcraft to recognise the spell being cast by the enemy caster. I said he couldn't because he was concentrating on casting the full round spell. He said spellcraft for this use is a Free Action.

Does anyone know who's correct?

 

[AGGEMAM]

You can't use a free action while you are making a full-round action. You can only do that before or after the full-round action.

Besides you can't make free actions when it is not your turn.

But wait, in this case using spellcraft is not a free action, it is not an action at all, so just like spot or listen you can do it while it is not your turn.

Therefore the player could do it, he just gave the wrong reasoning for it.

 

[Lord Vangarel]

Thanks Aggemam

But shouldn't there be some sort of mod to the spellcraft check because he is concentrating on casting a spell?

 

[AGGEMAM]

But shouldn't there be some sort of mod to the spellcraft check because he is concentrating on casting a spell?

You could do that, I probably would to, say how about adding the spell level of the spell you cast to the DC.

It would then be:

Spellcraft DC for recognising a spell being cast while casting a full-round spell yourself
= 15 + level of spell being cast + level of spell you cast

 

[Henrix]

I don't think making a spellcraft check would be no action.
I think it is a Free Action, which you only take when you can take another action.


Most skill uses are at least a free action. And I think that it is best if a Spellcraft check is used as a free action.
The only stament regarding the time it takes is while trying to counterspell.

But I think the spellcaster in your example could have tried just after he had finished his own spell, perhaps with an +2 DC for being distracted at the time, to see what spell the other had cast.

 

[AGGEMAM]

I don't think making a spellcraft check would be no action.
I think it is a Free Action, which you only take when you can take another action.

Well, it isn't, the only place it states that is under counterspelling, and that's a specific use.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to use unless you are counterspelling.

Most skill uses are at least a free action.

I have given two examples of skill are 'not an action', namely listen and spot, and actually most skills aren't actions at all, only those that specify it, is.

But I think the spellcaster in your example could have tried just after he had finished his own spell, perhaps with an +2 DC for being distracted at the time, to see what spell the other had cast.

That a whole other kind of check, that one, that is identifying a spell in effect.

 

[Henrix]

I have given two examples of skill are 'not an action', namely listen and spot, and actually most skills aren't actions at all, only those that specify it, is.

And I can give you many examples of skill use that are actions, but that would be pointless and irrelevant.
Spot is an action, if you try deliberately to spot something. *Shrug*

To quote the PHB:
"Most skill uses are standard actions, move equivalent actions, or full-round actions."

As we have no other sources than the counterspelling action for how long this sort of Spellcraft use takes, I think that Free Action is generous enough.

That a whole other kind of check, that one, that is identifying a spell in effect.

I meant even if not able to observe the effects of the spell.

 

[Henrix]

And as I said las time this was discussed, if youread the counterspell section, you'll find:

"If the target of you caounterspell tries to cast a spell, make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + the spell's level). This check is a free action."

[Emphasis mine.]

 

[AGGEMAM]

To quote the PHB:

"Some skills checks are instant and represent reactions to an event, or are included as part of an action. These skill checks are not actions."

 

[AGGEMAM]

And as I said las time this was discussed, if youread the counterspell section, you'll find:

"If the target of you caounterspell tries to cast a spell, make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + the spell's level). This check is a free action."

[Emphasis mine.]

Well, it isn't, the only place it states that is under counterspelling, and that's a specific use.

Do you have a problem reading ??