Counterspells (My players stay out)

[Ao the Overkitty]

Okay. I have a semi complicated question here.

Now, you can use a dispel magic to counterspell any spell (having to make a dispel check to do so). Now, what if the person who's spell you're counterspelling with dispel magic has a ring of counterspelling with dispel magic inside?
Would that counterspell your counterspell?

It could, since you're casting dispel magic on the person. But, at the same time, you're using it as a counterspell, not actually casting it to target the person...

This whole thing makes my head hurt, but I know it's going to become an issue on this coming wednesday.

Anyone have a clue?

 

[Pax]

No.

The Ring of Counterspelling would only be triggered if the wearer was the target of a Dispel Magic.

You can safely target their spells - either as they are cast, or one-by-one -- with your own Dispel Magic spells, and never trigger the Ring.

 

[Ao the Overkitty]

Thanks.

That's generally my thoughts, but is there any documentation to back this up? I'd feel better if I could point to someplace when the player challenges my ruling (which he definately will).

 

[drnuncheon]

Thanks.

That's generally my thoughts, but is there any documentation to back this up? I'd feel better if I could point to someplace when the player challenges my ruling (which he definately will).

Hmm. Well:

PHB 152 says "you must select an opponent as the target of a counterspell."

PHB 196 says "Counterspell: The spell targets a spellcaster and is cast as a counterspell."

The only way to get around this would be to either:

a) counter with the spell being cast, or
b) use greater dispelling.

If you've got dispels to spare, then you could burn one to suppress the ring - but you might as well just target the caster with it normally, have it countered, and then counterspell freely - the ring will only counter once before 'reloading', after all.

J

 

[Pax]

However, the Main FAQ -- I'm not at home, so I don't have a copy to hand -- specifically discusses counterspelling, and in essence ... you do NOT actually target the CASTER, you target the spell they are CASTING.

This comes into play with things like countering someone with Spell Turning on them, or a high SR rating.