Slow and Haste question

[karooba]

If I cast slow on a hasted person is the haste automatically dispelled? That is, no saving throw or dispel check needed?

 

[the Jester]

Yes. Spells that counter and negate each other do so automatically.

 

[hammymchamham]

Slow
Transmutation
Level: Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: One creature/level, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: Will negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
Affected creatures move and attack at a drastically slowed rate. Slowed creatures can take only a partial action each turn. Additionally, they suffer –2 penalties to AC, melee attack rolls, melee damage rolls, and Reflex saves. Slowed creatures jump half as far as normal.
Slow counters and dispels haste but does not otherwise affect magically speeded or slowed creatures.

They get a will save, if it fails, then the slow dispels haste (without a dispel check), and the creature acts normaly (is not hasted and is not slowed).

 

[kreynolds]

They get a will save...

Nope. From the FAQ...

When an opposite spell is used to negate an effect that is
already in place (such as using slow spell to counter and
dispel a haste spell), is the success of the dispel automatic,
or is a level check required? Does the subject or the caster
of the spell being countered and dispelled get a saving
throw?
&nbsp&nbsp&nbspTwo opposite spells simply negate each other. No dispel
check is required, no saving throw is allowed, and spell
resistance does not apply.

 

[hammymchamham]

well. why?

 

[Wippit Guud]

I would think, in the case of opposite spells... the second spell actually targets the first spell, and not the target character itself.

 

[kreynolds]

well. why?

The Haste spell doesn't get a Will save. It has no Wisdom score.

 

[hammymchamham]

Ok whatever

 

[kreynolds]

I thought you might find that cute.

 

[Nail]

I thought you might find that cute.

I'm sure he did, krey.....

back On-Topic:
It seems like this is in part simply a question of balance. A specific counter-spell, like slow countering haste, would be pretty weak if it allowed a save or dispel check. I mean, Dispel Magic is better if a dispel check is required.

Also, you'll note that you can counterspell someone while that person casts a spell, and no check is required.