Pathfinder 1E Improved Counterspell and Metamagic Spells

[koesherbacon]

The text of Improved Counterspell reads:

Benefit: When counterspelling, you may use a spell of the same school that is one or more spell levels higher than the target spell.

Are you able to use a lower level spell with a spell-level increase from Metamagic to counter the spell being cast?

For example, let's say you use Spellcraft to identify that an enemy caster is casting Summon Monster I. Could you use a Mage Armor spell with a Metamagic to increase it's spell-level in order to counter the SM1? Or do you have to use a spell that's specifically Level 2 or higher in order to counter the casting?

Thank you!

 

[frankthedm]

Are you able to use a lower level spell with a spell-level increase from Metamagic to counter the spell being cast?

Not in most cases. Metamagic level bumps are a COST not a benefit. Heighten Spell will help in this case, but many folks feel it is inefficient.

Heighten Spell (Metamagic)
You can cast spells as if they were a higher level.
Benefit: A heightened spell has a higher spell level than normal (up to a maximum of 9th level). Unlike other metamagic feats, Heighten Spell actually increases the effective level of the spell that it modifies. All effects dependent on spell level (such as saving throw DCs and ability to penetrate a lesser globe of invulnerability) are calculated according to the heightened level. The heightened spell is as difficult to prepare and cast as a spell of its effective level.

Could you use a Mage Armor spell with a Metamagic to increase it's spell-level in order to counter the SM1?

IF the Metamagic Feat was Heighten Spell. Pathfinder has been out for years, so there might also be other ways to do this, but in core rules this is about it IIRC.