Regarding using a Readied Action to Cast a Spell:
This discussion has got me thinking about one aspect I failed to consider before:
you must be able to see a creature...
Under Ready Action, it says:
"When you ready a spell, you cast it as normal but hold its energy, which you release with your
Reaction when the trigger occurs."
Well, in the case of Chill Touch and Dominate Monster, if you are casting them as normal, you must be able to
SEE the target. In the cases in the battles, the caster could not see the target due to total cover.
Now, for some spells, would this be an issue? Take
fireball:
A bright streak flashes from your pointing finger to a point you choose within range then blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame.
You could point in the direction from behind cover, then move out from cover triggering the spell IMO.
Now, could it be countered at the point of release? I would argue no. The spell
has been cast as normal. The casting is over. You are just holding the energy at this point.
My understanding has always been if you do not release the spell using your reaction prior to your next turn, the spell is lost, or at least if you take any other action. But in reviewing even that, I don't think that isn't really a RAW interpretation.
Now, if another caster has Counterspell Readied as well, that
might do it.
Sorry, I don’t mean to start a rules discussion. I think the readying of the spell to counteract counterspell is RAW and can be allowed for sure.
No worries, it is an interesting point. If someone wants to start a new thread on it, like we have for other ruling points, please do so. If not, I might do it tonight when I get home from work.