Spellcraft and Will Saves

[GodOfCheese]

An interesting Spellcraft check that was only recently noted in my campaign:

DC 25 + spell level. After rolling a saving throw against a spell targeted on you, determine what that spell was. No action required. No retry.

I've ruled that you only get this check if you either make the save or are already aware of the spell, because to do otherwise potentially leaks enough information that someone could realize that a spell was cast on him, even if he had no hope of making the check.

How does anyone else adjudicate this?

 

[shilsen]

Same as you. No trying to identify a spell that you don't realize has been cast on you in the first place.

 

[Hedgemage]

I'd have to rule on a case-by-case basis. Even if you fail a save, you can probably tell the difference between a Cone of Cold and an Ice Storm spell, but with spells that have no obvious physical manifestation (most enchantment/charm and illusions) it wouldn't be allowed.

 

[Infiniti2000]

How does anyone else adjudicate this?

I don't have a problem with it, but I see how it could be problematic depending on the player. If the player is unable to keep quiet or roleplay things properly, then I wouldn't tell him.

 

[Geoff Watson]

The Dm can roll for the player, and only tell him if he succeeds.

Geoff.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

I've ruled that you only get this check if you either make the save or are already aware of the spell, because to do otherwise potentially leaks enough information that someone could realize that a spell was cast on him, even if he had no hope of making the check.

I thought there was a rule somewhere that once you make a save, you're immediately aware of that fact (i.e., that someone cast a spell on you)...

 

[Infiniti2000]

I thought there was a rule somewhere that once you make a save, you're immediately aware of that fact (i.e., that someone cast a spell on you)...

Yes, but that's why GodOfCheese said, "if you ... make the save".

A creature that successfully saves against a spell that has no obvious physical effects feels a hostile force or a tingle, but cannot deduce the exact nature of the attack.

 

[Artoomis]

I have no problem with this. It works just fine. Even if you know the spell was cast, what difference does it make, in most cases?

If, for example, it is a spell that changes your attitude, well, knowing that a spell did it in no way changes your attitude from that which the spell created.

 

[Darklone]

Speaking from experience, this is very cool if your DM has a penchant for recurring villains. Or you have a DM who uses exclusively named recurring villalins. With named recurring henchmen, torchbearers, followers, mooks, and swordfodder. Axefodder. Spearfodder and not to be forgotten walking pincushions.

One of my co-DMs once had a sorcerer NPC who recurred for about 8 levels. Everytime we found out about one of his new spells and how to counter him, he leveled up and got something new to play with. Till we killed him. The NPC, not the DM.