D&D (2024) Is Counterspell less frustrating now?

I suppose it's an increasingly moot issue now that monsters aren't really using spellslots in the new DMG. But, the point of the initial caster losing the spell slot was to keep them from just trying to cast the same high level spell again their next turn. If you've burst into the BBEG's secret base and he tries to hit you with a mass suggestion, a spell that could take PCs out of the encounter for 24 hours if they fail the save, and you manage to counter it... you don't want him to just be able to try it again on his next turn because he still has that slot (because it's probably still one of his best options). You want that threat safely neutralized. And that's what the 2014 counterspell did (barring, of course, having multiple slots of that level - rare for high level spells or the enemy caster's highest level spells no matter what level they are). Leaving the target with the spell slot intact is a weaker effect. Is it a better balance than the 2014 version? Maybe - but I think it's less likely to be a dramatic clutch play in an encounter with a boss monster.
I think it's really annoying the 2014 version when you as a PC lose a spell slot. Some players might feel they're being punished by the DM who wants to neutralize all of the PC's spells. Especially seeing as how the 2024 Lich can cast Counterspell at will.
 

log in or register to remove this ad

I think it's really annoying the 2014 version when you as a PC lose a spell slot. Some players might feel they're being punished by the DM who wants to neutralize all of the PC's spells. Especially seeing as how the 2024 Lich can cast Counterspell at will.
Well, the lich could do so in the 2014 rules too as long as he had 3rd+ spell slots available. But you figure that’s the cost of going up against a powerful arcane caster. You attract his counterspells so your companions can get in and bash him up, or they get home to burn shields so your spells can get him. Either way, it means working together to wear the lich down.
 


Thanks for the feedback! The point is to make something a little more powerful than the 2024 counterspell, that evokes the concept of the 2014 counterspell without its issues. Do you have any suggestions for tweaks or alternative mechanics?
Not really, other than a feat or class power that lets a caster use Dispel Magic as a reaction.
 

Remove ads

Top