Do your players use counterspell?

[Nail]

Any wizard who doesn't does counterspell the opposition has not been paying attention is wasting his action, most of the time.

There. Fixed that for you.

Bottom line is you are using an action for a chance to use up the enemy's action. In most cases, there are far better things to do. A Bard might be the (snicker) obvious exception.

 

[TheGogmagog]

I like the idea of summoning something dedicated to counterspelling. It could be any monster with spells (or spel-like ability??). One of the same type you were fighting if possible.

If the creature has the same spell or an opposite, it can automatically counter. Advantage, automatic no check; Disadvantage, requires having the same spell prepared.

If the creature has dispel magic (either unlimited or on it's typically memorized list), it can make a caster level check.
Advantage, doesn't requre same spell or feats; Disadvantage requires caster level check, and odds of same level dispel 1:2 half level dispel approximatly 1:4.

If the creature has spells or spell like abilites that can damage the target it can disrupt the spell instead.
Advantage If you do damage equal to the opponent's concentration plus 10 you garuntee failure (unless there is a house rule for auto sucess on skill checks); Disadvantage requires you to hit or penetrate resistances enough to damage them about 35 points of damage for a 20th level caster.

At the very least I will hold attack spells for when they cast or act from now on.

 

[Sigg]

My problem with counterspelling has always been either having to use specific spells to counter specific spells, or use up slots (I always play wizards) with dispel magic to be used just to counterspell. I can think of many situations where I might be willing to sacrifice my action to block the spell of an enemy caster, but not at the expense of several of my fireball/lightening bolt/haste spell slots. I've always thought wizards should be able to burn a spell slot of their choosing to counterspell...maybe stipulating that the slot has to be the same level or higher as the spell being countered. Have not yet had the opportunity to pitch the idea to my DM as I've been playing fighters and rogues lately, so I'm not sure how it would work in actual play.

 

[Nail]

I've always thought wizards should be able to burn a spell slot of their choosing to counterspell...maybe stipulating that the slot has to be the same level or higher as the spell being countered.

There's a feat out there with your name on it.

Look at Improved Counterspell.....that would be in the PH. You've got one of those, right?

 

[the_mighty_agrippa]

I tend to counterspell pretty frequently as a player and even more as a DM. Often, even if I win initiative or gain surprise, I won't drop a smackdown spell but hold a Dispel Magic as a counterspell in reserve. Counterspelling is not useful all the time but when it is used, it can be the difference between life and death. I've counterspelled Dimensional Anchors, Hastes (especially Mass Haste in 3.0), Teleports, Words of Recall, etc.

It's badass, especially if you research your foes a bit beforehand.

 

[Masquerade]

I've never seen a counterspell as a player or DM. I am, however, familiar with the mechanics if the situation ever decides to arrise!

 

[was]

I've never seen it used.

 

[ForceUser]

Bottom line is you are using an action for a chance to use up the enemy's action. In most cases, there are far better things to do.

I agree, and I wish it wasn't so. I like the idea of mages counterspelling each other in magical duels. An idea has been percolating in the back of my mind for a while that simply gives spellcasters of a certain power level (say, CL 10th perhaps) the inherent ability to counterspell as an immediate action, and then place the counterspeller in the new place in the initiative order where he counterspelled. In effect, it would mean that a spellcaster of substance is always readied to counterspell. I'm still kicking the idea around, though.

I use action points--maybe what I'd do is allow a PC to burn one action point to make a counterspelling attempt as an immediate action.

 

[Shadowdweller]

Not ever seen.

Why counterspell when you can more easily ready a fireball at the caster in question and do damage ON TOP OF forcing a DC: 45 Concentration check?

 

[green slime]

Nothing like a good counterspell after a good meal.