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Message: <blockquote data-quote="clearstream" data-source="post: 7241259" data-attributes="member: 71699">They do, it's just DMs sometimes run NPC spellcasters as if they have nothing to do but fight PCs.Our Sorcerer is permitted to cast her Counterspell at a higher level. So Holmwood could need to reserve his highest level spell slot for his Counter-Counterspell. That prevents him using that slot on his own spell. He ends up with a lot riding on his first cast as if she Counterspells his second highest level spell, and he counters with his highest, she is now guaranteed  her highest level spell in return (if she survives his first!) Or he could try and draw out her most potent cast, relying on her failing her Arcana in return. Or he might back up and cast from beyond Counterspell's 60' range. Using Arcana checks in this sequence to identify spell and level adds interest (asymmetrical information).Sorcerer 11th Int 8, Cha 164, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1Arcana +0 (no prof)Spell DC 15Holmwood - Sorcerer, 11th, Cha 164, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1Arcana +4 (prof)Spell DC 15In this case, if Holmwood wins initiative and throws his 6th level spell, Sorcerer can always Counterspell. Therefore Holmwood casts a 5th level spell, retaining his 6th slot for his Counterspell. You can see how Arcana checks add interest to this duel. If Sorcerer can't identify his cast, she must either rely on her saving throw (possibly losing right there) or consider Counterspelling with her highest slot; and she can't be sure what slots Holmwood will have remaining. Either could have Heightened Spell, allowing them to have 3/11 Sorcery Points riding on their first cast.NB: I think we need to add that if there's any metamagic riding on a spell, an Arcana check gets that info too.When both sides automatically have full info, the duel is less interesting and more predetermined. Holmwood gets no really crunchy benefit for his choice in character creation.</blockquote>

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