Spell-like Abilities vs. Ability Scores

[TessarrianDM]

If a creature gains a template that grants spell-like abilities (such as half-fiend), would it be able to use those abilities if it's newly modified Int and Wis are both 11 or less? I know they are able to use higher level spells than their caster level may normally allow. In the case of ability score minimums, the only thing the template says is "a half-fiend with an Intelligence or Wisdom score of 8 or higher has spell-like abilities depending on its Hit Dice". According to that sentence it would be able to use all of them.

The creature in question would be gaining everything up to and including Horrid Wilting. If it was a spellcaster, this would require it to have a Wisdom of 18+ in order to cast it. Its Wisdom score is 11. Does it still get to use all of these spell-like abilities, and if so, is that fair compared to a spellcaster of the same hit dice and ability score, who could not cast those spells?

 

[kreynolds]

Does it still get to use all of these spell-like abilities, and if so, is that fair compared to a spellcaster of the same hit dice and ability score, who could not cast those spells?

I believe it can still use them, yes. Spell-like Abilities do not have the same limitations as spells with true spellcasting classes. An example of this is a creature with high-level spell-like abilities and a low caster level that would normally not qualify a spellcasting class to use said spells.

Is it fair? I don't really see fairness being a factor, but if I had to make a call, sure, I think so. Spell-like abilities aren't the same as spells (they can't normally be replaced with other spells, you normally can't just "learn" more, etc).

 

[Patlin]

Hmmm. That's nice. If my Druid gets wisdom drained to the point of idiocy, it sounds like he could still use [Reserve] feats... even if the save DCs for them drop.

 

[evilbob]

That is an excellent point.

(Also note that not all of them require saves.)