Dispels and counters.... how?

[Destil]

In reference to certain spells that counter and dispel other spells. I’ll be using Slow and Haste as a primary example, just for consistency. Counters is simple enough, you can the spell as counter spell. But dispel is vague and open to interpretation. For example:

You’re Hasted and a slow spell is dropped onto you. What happens, exactly? Clearly, Haste is dispelled, but…
a) Can your will save stop this? Do you automatically loose haste, or does a successful will save prevent this?
b) Same as above, but with SR, not a save.
c) Is a dispel check necessary?
d) When the Haste does go down, is this the only effect, or are you slowed as well?
e) How does a any combination of D and A or B work, if the answer to D is yes?

All the PBH says is that: “a slow spell negates a haste spell, and vice versa.” (PHB 154)

The glossary definition of Dispel, likewise, offers no help. Nor is there any relevent info in the DMG.

Edit: Added D & E. Knew I forgot some subtle detail I was confused about.

 

[Saeviomagy]

The haste is gone. Full stop. The end.

At least, thats how I read it.

 

[Berk]

First things first, check for SR.
Second check for save.
If the caster makes it past 1 and the victim fails 2 then the haste that victim had on them is now gone with no other effects taking place.

 

[Destil]

First things first, check for SR.
Second check for save.
If the caster makes it past 1 and the victim fails 2 then the haste that victim had on them is now gone with no other effects taking place.

Odd, an unintuitive solution, because the most compairable effect (dispel magic) dosn't allow SR...

 

[Kwalish Kid]

I think Berk has it right. Haste and Slow are mentioned in chapeter 10 of the PHB (pg 154) under "Spells with Opposite Effects". If spells have opposite effects, then they simply take effect as normal. The exception is if one spell "negates" another spell (as Haste and Slow do). Then both spells completely counter each other, which I guess means ends the effect for all time. Other than that, the spell works normally, which means SR and save as appropriate.

 

[Berk]

Odd, an unintuitive solution, because the most compairable effect (dispel magic) dosn't allow SR...

dispel magic is a different spell. =o)

and unintuitive how? *blink*

 

[Iku Rex]

When an opposite spell is used to negate an effect that is
already in place (such as using slow spell to counter and
dispel a haste spell), is the success of the dispel automatic,
or is a level check required? Does the subject or the caster
of the spell being countered and dispelled get a saving
throw?

Two opposite spells simply negate each other. No dispel
check is required, no saving throw is allowed, and spell
resistance does not apply.

-- DnD FAQ page 40.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/er/er20021018a

 

[Destil]

Well, that prity much states it. Thanks!