Spell-Like Abilities and Concentration Checks

[Arksorn]

From PHB p. 126 "Using a Spell-Like Ability on the Defensive" the DC is given as 15 without regard to what ability was being used. This leads me to believe one would use a spell level of 0 for all concentration checks for spell-like abilities listed in the table on page 65.

Is this correct? Are there any other rules you can cite?

 

[hong]

Spell-like abilities are generally given in terms of the spell being emulated, and the spellcasting class used. Eg "Spell-like abilities: fireball 1/day, as sorcerer". Since fireball is a 3rd level wizard/sorc spell, you would use that in figuring the DC of the Concentration check.

Where it gets interesting is when you have SLAs without any spell equivalents (eg paladin's lay on hands) or where the spell doesn't appear on the class spell list (eg unholy blight, as sorcerer). DM judgement would be required in these cases.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Since fireball is a 3rd level wizard/sorc spell, you would use that in figuring the DC of the Concentration check.

Including for Cast Defensively? Or just for injury, vigorous motion, grappled etc Concentration checks?

-Hyp.

 

[Arksorn]

Thanks Hong

Do you have any page references or FAQ references for this reasoning? I was thinking along the same lines, but the only reference I can find is the PHB p 126 which makes no mention of the "spell level" of the spell-like ability.

 

[guido1999]

From the SRD:

A character may attempt to use a spell-like ability on the defensive, just as with a spell. If the Concentration check (DC 15) fails, the character can't use the ability, but the attempt counts as if the character had used the ability.

I interpret this to say that no matter what the spell-like ability does, it's a straight DC 15 Concentration check.