Counterspell of opportunity

[Nappy MonkeyII]

Yup, we're trying out this new rule. Here is how it works.

1, You have one counterspell of opportunity per round*
2, Spell is cast, typically hostile
3, Spellcraft to identify spell on the spot, no readying necessary
4, Counter by losing the appropriate spell or chancing a dispel

Basically counterspell without the need to ready an action.

The rationale is to make mage duels more thrust and parry like. Less emphasise on initiative roll offs I guess. Also make counterspelling less of a novelty.

Question is, what are we doing! There is going to be lots of repercussions and I am concerned for balance and gameplay, thoughts? Thanks in advance.

*There could be room for a "combat reflexes" like feat.

 

[Drawmack]

Since a take 20 takes 2 minutes or 20 rounds I rule that a skill use takes 1 action, unless otherwise stated in the skill description.

So the spellcraft is an action.

Then loosing the spell, I assume, simulates casting the spell. For a dispell it would be casting the spell.

You just gave your caster two actions as an AoO.

I'd be pretty upset if the caster got this kind of AoO and I didn't. However if you make the caster burn a feat on it that could be workable maybe something like this.

Improved Counterspell [metamagic]
You are amazingly fast at counter spelling.
Prerequisites: Ability to counter spell
Benefits: You can counter spell reactively without having a redied action to do so.
Special: This does not allow you to use counterspelling as an AoO. If you counterspell before your initiative order then you loose your turn in this round and go at your normal place next round. If you counterspell after your initiative order then you loose your turn next round. You cannot use this ability in two consecutive rounds. You may still use normal counterspelling with a readied action.

 

[hong]

There is a Reactive Counterspell feat in either FRCS or Magic of Faerun that does what you're looking for.

 

[Nappy MonkeyII]

Oh this is not just for a few with feats, this is going to be applicable to all spellcasters.

Everyone will be able to reflexively (such a word?) counterspell.

 

[Randolpho]

I like Drawmack's idea of making it a feat. This would help reduce balance issues. Furthermore, I would suggest that it be part of a feat chain of some sort... perhaps with a prerequisite of Quicken Spell (for the free action counter-spell).

 

[Chacal]

Some random thoughts :

It could simply be an ability given to all spellcasters, with the following tweak:

Once a round, a spellcaster can attempt a counterspell
with a malus for the spellcraft DC, (+2, +5 ? )
by spending either :
- a dispel : works with +5 malus
- an opposite spell/same spell : works like a dispel
- an opposite spell/same spell + another spell of same level :
:automatic counterspell


Does it balance it ans an ability ?

Chacal

 

[Nappy MonkeyII]

I'm curious, Chacal. Why would you increase of the spellcraft DC to identify the incoming spell by 2 to 5?

Off hand that would make this reflexive counterspelling less likely for the lower levels of spell-casters, or the Ranger/Assassin-type spell casters. I would think that their poor spellcraft skill and limited spells prepared would limit them enough.

We are playing today, I'll post back for anyone interested.

 

[Chacal]

I'm curious, Chacal. Why would you increase of the spellcraft DC to identify the incoming spell by 2 to 5?

Off hand that would make this reflexive counterspelling less likely for the lower levels of spell-casters, or the Ranger/Assassin-type spell casters. I would think that their poor spellcraft skill and limited spells prepared would limit them enough.

We are playing today, I'll post back for anyone interested.

The reasoning behind the DC increase is that the spellcaster
hasn't got much time to devote to determining which spell it is.
Alternately, you can always rule that a minor failure on the spelcraft roll
still gives a partial answer like "it seems to be an evocation spell" or
" there's a fire element component" , and let the player guess and try
whatever spell he likes (or dispel).

As for why I lower the chances of dispel/ increase the cost, it's only for balance purpose and for making the player think twice before attempting to counter every spell.
I really like to see counterspelling happen more often than with the current situation (readying is less fun).

Chacal

 

[Gez]

Since a take 20 takes 2 minutes or 20 rounds I rule that a skill use takes 1 action, unless otherwise stated in the skill description.

So the spellcraft is an action.

Not always. Spellcraft is used for several different things. Recognizing a spell cast is as instantaneous, IMO, than recognizing a face seen.

That's a reactive use of Spellcraft, just like most uses of Spot or Listen are reactive.