Casting Defensively as an Opposed Roll

[ARandomGod]

However, it seems I am alone in my thinking. I guess my gut reaction was that it made sense for a wizard to have a harder time casting defensively against a 15th lvl fighter than a 5th lvl one. It seemed odd that once a wizard hits that magic mark, they never have to worry about Concentration again since it is as close to 100% success rate as you can get.

Maybe casting defensively is a little easier in your games, or you start with higher scores, but without taking a feat to add to the casting defensively score, in our games it tends to take several levels before you become actually garunteed of getting the spell off.

But wait, everyone takes that feat you say? Well, that's a feat's worth of investment for a spellcaster, which is a healthy investment. But you're right, that feat does help a lot. IME not everyone takes it, but IMC's spell casters don't always have to cast defensively.

I do kind of agree about the 15th level fighter should potentially be better than a 5th level one... at not being cast defensively against... but I don't see how to fairly make such an addition to the game. For the 15th level fighter should be better against the 5th level wizard than the 5th level fighter vs the 5th level wizard, but the 15th level wizard should be better vs the 15th level fighter than the 5th level wizard is against the 5th level fighter. That second part is adequately represented by the current mechanic, and the first mechanic is a little pointless, in that the 15th level fighter, while not harder to cast defensively against, is a LOT better at killing that pesky 5th level wizard!

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

I have not particularly likes the 'must take concentration' aspect of this rule either.. nor do I like that no matter how often my fighter practices, trains, and works at it, a puny wizard can negate an opportunity to smack him upside the head relatively easily.


How 'bout.
Casting a spell defensively requires a caster level check {D20 + Caster level + casting Stat Mod} vs DC 15 + spell level. Failure results in a fizzled spell. Combat Casting feat adds +4 to this check.

If an opponent threatens the mage, the pending AoO is negated if this check meets or exceeds a DC of 5 + spell level + opponents attack bonus with the threatening weapon.
For each additional opponent threatening the mage, increase the DC by +2.
Mage Killer feat adds +4 to this DC for that opponent.
A successfull AoO has a chance of disrupting the spell as with normal rules for being hit while casting.


Hence, Fred facing off against Joe. Casting Lightning Bolt:
Defensive check DC 18
Opponent check DC 18

Must roll at least a 10, 50% chance of pulling it off.

If Joe was 10th level, and added another +1 to his weapon, the Defensive check remains the same, and the opponent check raises to 24. Meaning he needs a 16 or better to not get whapped, roughly 25% chance of pulling it off.

If Fred was 10th level as well, the casting would be childs play, needing only a 3 or better, but back to 50% against Joe.
This means higher level casters will tend to get the spell off, altho they may end up losing some blood over it when faced with an equally competant sword swinger. Concentration is still a good still to take, and both sides can spend feats to become better than usual.
{and pure casters have an edge over ..umm..impure casters..that just sounds wrong }


Fred: 5th level mage, INT 16 {+3}
Joe: 5th level fighter, Str 16 {+3}, Weapon Focus, +1 weapon.


eh? or maybe I am just out of my mind

 

[Machiavelli]

If you're especially worried about stabbing spellcasters in the jaw, take Magekiller. The name is appropriate, because spellcasters tend to flinch in fear of it, and die shortly thereafter. If the fighter is worth his armor, he'll trip the spellcaster (should be relatively easy) or grapple him, so that the 5ft step is impossible.

 

[Stalker0]

For the 15th level fighter should be better against the 5th level wizard than the 5th level fighter vs the 5th level wizard, but the 15th level wizard should be better vs the 15th level fighter than the 5th level wizard is against the 5th level fighter.

Consider this point, a 5th level fighter is better at stopping a 5th level wizard from casting. However, a 5th level fighter is also less capable of taking out a 5th level wizard...the hp gap between them isn't as large, nor is the attack vs AC gap or the damage gap.

A 15th level fighter can't stop a wizard from concentrating. But he will most certainly hit with his first attack and do incredible damage. There's still plenty of things he can do to ruin a wizard's day.