Ring of Counterspells

[Nareau]

Counterspells: This ring might seem to be a ring of spell storing upon first examination. However, while it allows a single spell of 1st through 6th level to be cast into it, that spell cannot be cast out of the ring again. Instead, should that spell ever be cast upon the wearer, the spell is immediately countered, as a counterspell action, requiring no action (or even knowledge) on the wearer’s part. Once so used, the spell cast within the ring is gone. A new spell (or the same one as before) may be placed in it again.

Does the spell need to target the wearer, or simply affect him? Would it counterspell a spell that simply includes the wearer in its area of effect? What if a caster cast Magic Missile at the wearer's friend, then directed the final missile at the wearer?

Spider

 

[Si_RW]

i would say that it must be directed at the caster. the magic misssle thing i would say that the fina; missle targeted at the character did not make it to said character.

 

[Tilla the Hun (work)]

Does the spell need to target the wearer, or simply affect him? Would it counterspell a spell that simply includes the wearer in its area of effect? What if a caster cast Magic Missile at the wearer's friend, then directed the final missile at the wearer?

Spider

Your answer is explicit in the quote (rare for the rules, I know)

1) "should that spell ever be cast upon the wearer, the spell is immediately countered, as a counterspell action,"

'Upon' is the keyword here. The spell must target the wielder of the ring in order for the ring to counterspell it. It has no effect on a fireball, say, unless the enemy caster has deliberately targeted you as the center of effect - then it's arguable (it probably still shouldn't counter it due to the technicality of 'target' referring to the spell descriptions 'target' line, and in the case of fireball, it's not you that's the target)

2) So given area of effects are not canceled, what about spells with multiple targets? Guess what, you just answered your own question - the spell targets you. Regardless of additional targets, etc., it targeted you. Ring kicks in and spell is counterspelled, thus has no effect on any target.

Rather beneficial that.

in the case of magic missile, it's not like the caster chooses his targets one at a time and fires off one missile at a time. The caster chooses all missile targets then rolls damage one at a time. Thus, no missile hits if the spell is counterspelled.

Now, in the case of a Broach of Shielding - any magic missiles directed to the bearer of the item are absorbed, any that are not hit their target.

Simply put - if you counterspell a spell, the spell has no effect (fizzle). The ring of counterspells will counter any spell targeting the bearer, provided the spell contained within the ring is the appropriate spell to do so.