Maximized Dispel

[Storme]

Quick question.

Can Dispel Magic be maximized?

Most of our group tend to think so. Any input?


Storme

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Don't think so. There is no random variable. The modifier is set by your caster level. If the modifier was 1d6+caster level, then yes you could maximize it to make it 6+caster level.

SRD:
All variable, numeric effects of a spell modified by this feat are maximized. Saving throws and opposed rolls are not affected, nor are spells without random variables. A maximized spell uses up a spell slot three levels higher than the spell’s actual level.

Edit: My bad. You probably mean maximizing the d20 roll! Hmmm, don't see why not. That turns dispel magic (automatic 30 for 10th-lvl caster) into a whole lotta nastiness! Ouch! But does it maximize the opponent's roll as well???

 

[Nifft]

Nope, the caster level check isn't a numeric effect of the spell. (Dispel magic has no variable numeric effects. SR isn't a variable, numeric effect either.)

Cheers, -- N

 

[jaelis]

If you look at the benefit description of Maximize Spell in the actual PHB, you'll see it specifically says that it doesn't work for dispel magic.

 

[Storme]

Ah. Thanks jaelis. That answers that.

Oh...and of course it's a random value. d20 +CL max of 10. 1 to 20 is a random value. Hehe.

 

[Nifft]

Ah. Thanks jaelis. That answers that.

Oh...and of course it's a random value. d20 +CL max of 10. 1 to 20 is a random value. Hehe.

Random value =/= random numeric effect. (It's a binary effect.)

Consider carefully the implications of your idea: saving throws are also random.

"Oh, your Maximized fireball? Yeah, the Death Fang Assassins all rolled 20 for their saving throws. Again."

Cheers, -- N

 

[Gloombunny]

I think you could maximize a dispel magic, but all it would do is make affected magic items be suppressed for 4 rounds instead of 1d4. Prooooobably not worth the +3 spell levels.

 

[moritheil]

Ah. Thanks jaelis. That answers that.

Oh...and of course it's a random value. d20 +CL max of 10. 1 to 20 is a random value. Hehe.

The way I understand it, it may be random but it's not a random property of the spell itself. It's random because it's a CL check.

I think you could maximize a dispel magic, but all it would do is make affected magic items be suppressed for 4 rounds instead of 1d4. Prooooobably not worth the +3 spell levels.

This should work.

 

[Rackhir]

Oh...and of course it's a random value. d20 +CL max of 10. 1 to 20 is a random value. Hehe.

This is rather like arguing that maximize with Bulls Strength makes your Str 18+4 (since 3d6 for the strength is a random roll).

Also if your argument was supported by the rules, there would be almost no reason to use Greater Dispel magic (lv 6) vs maximized Dispel Magic (also lv 6). Since the MDM would guarantee you dispel spells cast by up to a 19th lv caster (20+10 vs 11 + Caster LV). Where as the GDM would on average for an 11th level caster, only dispel spells cast by up to a 10th lv caster.

 

[chaotix42]

Oh...and of course it's a random value. d20 +CL max of 10. 1 to 20 is a random value. Hehe.

Following that logic, any SR check on a maximized spell would be maximized, and maybe even Concentration checks too. Perhaps even your target's saving throws!