A Simple Counterspell Question [Archive] - Wizards Community

A Simple Counterspell Question [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
cerebrum
08-14-05, 08:03 PM Is it possible to Counterspell the activation of a magic item, supernatural or spell-like ability (via a ring of spell battle or through normal means)?
runestar
08-14-05, 10:13 PM Nope, it specifically states that SLAs and SU abilitites cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be countered. The only exception is the dispel magic SLA, which can be used to counterspell, since it states so in the spell. Same goes for magic items.
Rohano
08-14-05, 10:33 PM Magic items can't be used to counter another spell or magical effect unless the item can generate an Antimagic Field or similar effect beforehand, or the magic item has Dispel Magic.
cerebrum
08-14-05, 10:39 PM Okay, but I think in this case it might work then. I'll just paraphrase from MoF. The ring of spell battle detects all spellcasting within 60 ft. and a successful Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell level) identifies the spell being cast. If a spell is successfully identified in this manner the wearer can choose to have the ring automatically cast dispel magic to counter the spell or change the original target to another within 60 ft. of the wearer.

Does this mean that dispel magic be used to counter spells that your opponent attempts to activate from a magic item? I meant to ask if your opponent's SLA's or SU's could be countered by me, as well as my opponent's use of magical items to buff himself.
The Simbul
08-15-05, 12:46 AM No.

Sorry to be short and blunt, but it is as a simple as that. The Counterspell action affects spells, and the Ring of Spell-battle affects spell casting. Activating a magic item or using a spell-like or supernatural ability does not fall into either of those categories. At best, a dispel effect can end the ongoing effects of a magic item or a spell-like effect. A supernatural ability can only be supressed (such as with Antimagic), and only have their ongoing effects dispelled (but not counterspelled) by Epic Spells.
cerebrum
08-15-05, 11:26 AM I'm not so sure that calling a spell forth from a magic item doesn't fall into the category of 'spells' that can be countered.

Edit: But thanks for the info on supernatural abilities.
cerebrum
08-15-05, 08:46 PM Bump. Any other thoughts on this? Can anyone quote some of the literature that might put an end to this query?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cerebrum 08-14-05, 08:03 PM	Is it possible to Counterspell the activation of a magic item, supernatural or spell-like ability (via a ring of spell battle or through normal means)?
runestar 08-14-05, 10:13 PM	Nope, it specifically states that SLAs and SU abilitites cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be countered. The only exception is the dispel magic SLA, which can be used to counterspell, since it states so in the spell. Same goes for magic items.
Rohano 08-14-05, 10:33 PM	Magic items can't be used to counter another spell or magical effect unless the item can generate an Antimagic Field or similar effect beforehand, or the magic item has Dispel Magic.
cerebrum 08-14-05, 10:39 PM	Okay, but I think in this case it might work then. I'll just paraphrase from MoF. The ring of spell battle detects all spellcasting within 60 ft. and a successful Spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell level) identifies the spell being cast. If a spell is successfully identified in this manner the wearer can choose to have the ring automatically cast dispel magic to counter the spell or change the original target to another within 60 ft. of the wearer. Does this mean that dispel magic be used to counter spells that your opponent attempts to activate from a magic item? I meant to ask if your opponent's SLA's or SU's could be countered by me, as well as my opponent's use of magical items to buff himself.
The Simbul 08-15-05, 12:46 AM	No. Sorry to be short and blunt, but it is as a simple as that. The Counterspell action affects spells, and the Ring of Spell-battle affects spell casting. Activating a magic item or using a spell-like or supernatural ability does not fall into either of those categories. At best, a dispel effect can end the ongoing effects of a magic item or a spell-like effect. A supernatural ability can only be supressed (such as with Antimagic), and only have their ongoing effects dispelled (but not counterspelled) by Epic Spells.
cerebrum 08-15-05, 11:26 AM	I'm not so sure that calling a spell forth from a magic item doesn't fall into the category of 'spells' that can be countered. Edit: But thanks for the info on supernatural abilities.
cerebrum 08-15-05, 08:46 PM	Bump. Any other thoughts on this? Can anyone quote some of the literature that might put an end to this query?