Queeestions.

[kreynolds]

"you strap a shield to your forearm and grip it with your hand" PH pg 106

Thanks, dude.

thanks for clearing that up, k

No problem.

but the original question was 'can you counterspell with a wand of dispel magic'.

I know what the original question was, and I already answered it.

so, can't you use a wand to make a dispel check (d20+wand's caster level)?

Like I said, when you counterspell, you are altering the spell as you cast it. You're not just simply making a caster level check.

 

[Number47]

So, you would say that Dispel Magic in a wand could only do one or two of the three possible applications of Dispel Magic? Which can it do, Area Dispels? Targeted Dispels?

It clearly says in the rules that spells from wands function exactly as spells cast. Counterspelling is a function of the spell Dispel Magic. It's right in the description.

So, yes, a wand of Dispel Magic can be used to counterspell. Just not very well (lowered caster level).

 

[kreynolds]

So, you would say that Dispel Magic in a wand could only do one or two of the three possible applications of Dispel Magic?

No, I wouldn't say that, and I didn't either. Actually, I just realized that I didin't answer the original question. I got sidetracked by the partial action/standard action bit. I only answered Xarlen's and Mr. Fidgit's questions.

So, in direct regards to the original question, "Can you Counterspell with a Wand of Dispel Magic?", that's definately a "Yes", but like you said, the caster level check is gonna suck.

 

[Xarlen]

So, in direct regards to the original question, "Can you Counterspell with a Wand of Dispel Magic?", that's definately a "Yes", but like you said, the caster level check is gonna suck.

That's what I wanted.

But, you're right. That really wouldn't be good for Counterspelling. I guess the enemy spellcaster's just gunna have to bring along some Scrolls! (Not Dispel tho).

 

[Rydac]

why does the caster level check have to suck ?
Wouldn't the caster level check used be the level built into the wand of dispel magic. Just have the big bad guy build his own wand at his full level...it will be more expensive than one off the shelf, but more effective

 

[Xarlen]

Because wands apply to the lowest common donominator.

Just like the DCs, which just does the minimum stat and spell level, the caster check would only be 5, the minimum requirement.

Though, that does raise a question for me: Why is that so, when you can have Wands created by 3rd level casters, then 5th level casters, etc etc?

 

[hong]

Because wands apply to the lowest common donominator.

Just like the DCs, which just does the minimum stat and spell level, the caster check would only be 5, the minimum requirement.

The save DC is set by the minimum stat needed to cast the spell, but the caster level can be higher than the minimum.

 

[Xarlen]

Hmm!

The only thing is I don't want the PCs getting ahold of that wand. Simply because they don't usually use Dispel Magic anyways, so they don't need a crutch. He'd be off to the side casting spells (More like his job is to Shut Down the party caster). Not that I'm stingy with equipment, but it's just not needed.

I do have the problem with creating NPCs with their general aloitment of cash, and giving them magical stuff, just to have it pile up for the PCs.

 

[hong]

Hmm!

The only thing is I don't want the PCs getting ahold of that wand. Simply because they don't usually use Dispel Magic anyways, so they don't need a crutch. He'd be off to the side casting spells (More like his job is to Shut Down the party caster). Not that I'm stingy with equipment, but it's just not needed.

Dispel magic is an essential spell at high level. I'm sure that even if your PCs didn't pick up the wand, they'd be using it a lot anyway. If you think it could be a problem, have it so that the wand only has a few charges left.

I do have the problem with creating NPCs with their general aloitment of cash, and giving them magical stuff, just to have it pile up for the PCs.

This is what imbued magic is for.

Well, that, and other things.

 

[snwatson]

Shields

The rules of shields have already be posted but on the off chance that was not what you actually wanted I'll post a little something about how shields were held in RL

Buckler - held in the hand, used for punching other people and their weapons

Classic shields - what most people think of as shields. Viking round shied, Norman kite shield and so on. Exactly as it says in the DnD rule book Strapped to the forearm and then the handle is also held

"Roman body shield" The shield that every one eqates to the romans - covering from ankle up to shoulder level and curved around on either side to aid deflection of blows is held by using the handle at the back of the boss. This handle is parallel to the ground so the shield is held rather like a suitcase. The shield is used for defense and also for battering people in the face with the boss

hope that is interesting and helps some