Counterspelling

[MarauderX]

I'm looking for a method in which counterspelling is easier and a more viable option for casters. I'd like to keep it as a simple method too.

A counterspelling caster delays his action to see if the foe will cast. If the foe begins casting the counterspelling caster needs to identify the spell being cast. If successful the counterspelling caster can use any spell of the same spell level, provided she has not used up all of her spells of that level. The counterspelling caster burns any spell of that spell level to counter the foe's spell.

 

[Rackhir]

There are two feats that basically do this.

Imp Counterspell does what you are asking for. It lets you counterspell with a spell from the same school. It's in the PHB

Reactive Counter Spell enables you to "abort to counterspell" and counterspell things even when it's not on your turn. Though it does cost you your next action. It's from the Players Guide to Faerun.

 

[A Crazy Fool]

Improved counterspell sucks.

I personally rule that you can burn a spell of the same school and one level higher to counter (as with improved counterspell), but you need to make an opposed caster level check. Improved counterspell allows the character to burn a spell of the same level in any school to counter (they still need to check for caster level). The counterspelling with the same or opposite spell and dispell magic rules still apply (no caster level check for using the same or opposite spell).

 

[ElectricDragon]

How about allowing another counterspell option for all casters.

Keep the original ready action: counterspell.
Add:

Allow them to spend an immediate action (burns their next swift action) to counterspell any caster at any time. (They cannot use this action in the middle of a 1 round casting time of another spell).They must use dispel magic (et al), the same spell, or a special opposite as listed in the spell descriptions. In the case of the same spell or a special opposite; a successful Spellcraft check must be made DC 15 + the spell level of the spell to be countered to identify it as it is being cast if the spell has material, focus, verbal, or somatic components that can be recognized [close enough to see, near enough to hear, etc].

I also have various magic items that add bonuses to the Spellcraft check by increasing the chance to see or hear such components.

IMHO, having counterspell as only a ready action limits its usage severely. This way, you can ready to counterspell as a standard action and also counterspell as an immediate action if all you want to do is stop their spellcasters.

With the advent of the swift and immediate action types in the XPH, I am continually surprised that errata wasn't added to allow counterspelling a larger piece of the pie.


Ciao
Dave

 

[HeavenShallBurn]

How about allowing another counterspell option for all casters.

Keep the original ready action: counterspell.
Add:

Allow them to spend an immediate action (burns their next swift action) to counterspell any caster at any time. (They cannot use this action in the middle of a 1 round casting time of another spell).They must use dispel magic (et al), the same spell, or a special opposite as listed in the spell descriptions. In the case of the same spell or a special opposite; a successful Spellcraft check must be made DC 15 + the spell level of the spell to be countered to identify it as it is being cast if the spell has material, focus, verbal, or somatic components that can be recognized [close enough to see, near enough to hear, etc].

I also have various magic items that add bonuses to the Spellcraft check by increasing the chance to see or hear such components.

IMHO, having counterspell as only a ready action limits its usage severely. This way, you can ready to counterspell as a standard action and also counterspell as an immediate action if all you want to do is stop their spellcasters.

With the advent of the swift and immediate action types in the XPH, I am continually surprised that errata wasn't added to allow counterspelling a larger piece of the pie.


Ciao
Dave

Pretty much what I did as well.