D&D 5E Counterspell Variant: More Specific, Lower Level

[NotAYakk]

I don’t think a spell that just gave a situational reaction attack would even be worth a 1st level slot.

The core of optimization in almost any version of D&D has been "tap the enemy more".

If you are in melee range with a spellcaster, they have to either (a) disengage, (b) suffer a reaction attack to move away, or (c) cast a spell.

Disengage usually requires burning their action. This ability closes down the (c) option. So you are upping your "tap count" by 1, or shutting an enemy down for a turn.

That is an insane effect for a 1st level spell slot, especially past low levels. I mean, 1st level slots for smite (9=2d8 damage) is considered a great use; a tap could easily hit or even exceed 2d6+18 (25) damage (20 stat, +3 item, +10/-5 feat, 2d6 weapon).

It does require using a spell known/prepared, but using the slot on it once you had it prepared would be obvious.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

The core of optimization in almost any version of D&D has been "tap the enemy more".

If you are in melee range with a spellcaster, they have to either (a) disengage, (b) suffer a reaction attack to move away, or (c) cast a spell.

Disengage usually requires burning their action. This ability closes down the (c) option. So you are upping your "tap count" by 1, or shutting an enemy down for a turn.

That is an insane effect for a 1st level spell slot, especially past low levels. I mean, 1st level slots for smite (9=2d8 damage) is considered a great use; a tap could easily hit or even exceed 2d6+18 (25) damage (20 stat, +3 item, +10/-5 feat, 2d6 weapon).

It does require using a spell known/prepared, but using the slot on it once you had it prepared would be obvious.

Wrathful Smite adds +1d6, is less likely to get wasted or not be useful in a given fight, and a chance to make them Frightened for up to 1 minute if they fail the save.

Your hypothetical “only the attack” Smite would add a single weapon attack per round, on a situational basis, only in a fight with a caster. The end.

My proposed 2nd or 3rd level version would be an extra attack with a small damage boost, situationally, and a chance to counter a spell.

It’s also eating a known or prepared spot for a situational spell that won’t see any opportunity for use in entire combat encounters.

It also is more likely to go unused once cast than any other Smite style spell.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

Spell-Bane Smite

Not pictured is the at higher levels part. Just a basic +d6 per spell level above 2nd.