Post/Author/DateTime	Post
nullsystems 07-03-07, 06:46 AM	Hello there. I am a DM for a new bunch of people playing, we have only had a few sessions and im quite concerned with Concentration. Im not to clear on this and will sound like an idiot but: When does it come into effect? What causes a concentration effect for a wizard/cleric/sorc? What sort out DC role examples are required? Im so sorry if this is an idiotic post, but im just a lil concerned as ive never used it. Thank you in advance.
Avatar of Kokusho 07-03-07, 06:53 AM	Concentration is generally used to keep your spell when you are affected by an adverse condition, such as being struck in combat. It can also be used to cast your spell defensively, allowing you to cast in melee without provoking an attack of opportunity. To cast defensively, the DC is generally 15+ the level of the spell being cast, with a failure indicating that you have indeed provoked an attack of opportunity, forcing yet another Concentration check after damage is dealt to see if the caster lost her spell. I believe the DC for this one is 15+ amount of damage taken in the attack. In the Spells section of the PHB, it outlines this in far more detail than I can recall at seven in the morning. :)
WackyOne 07-03-07, 06:58 AM	The DC for being struck without losing a spell should be 10+level of spell+damage dealt - usually it just mean you lose the spell, for the damage dealt can be too much for the skill to cover. EDITed to avoid future errors: Oops... I knew I should have double checked before posting!
Leilond 07-03-07, 07:41 AM	The DC for being struck without losing a spell should be 15+level of spell+damage dealt - usually it just mean you lose the spell, for the damage dealt can be too much for the skill to cover. Wrong. THe DC is 10+spell level+damage recived, not 15 15+spell level is the DC for "casting defensively" There are others "adverse conditions" that can require a concentration check Casting while grappling require a DC 20+spell level check (no spell with somatic component allowed at all) If you look in the concentration skill rules, you'll find others
Pindar 07-03-07, 07:50 AM	To cast defensively, the DC is generally 15+ the level of the spell being cast, with a failure indicating that you have indeed provoked an attack of opportunity, forcing yet another Concentration check after damage is dealt to see if the caster lost her spell. If you fail the roll when casting defensively you lose the spell. You don't provoke an AoO.
Leilond 07-03-07, 08:04 AM	If you fail the roll when casting defensively you lose the spell. You don't provoke an AoO. Agree It is plain written in the rules
goawayugh 07-03-07, 08:15 AM	Read the Concentration (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/concentration.htm) skill description through a couple of times. It is pretty clear on when it is needed, and what the DC should be. It is mainly a skill for spellcasters, used most often when either casting defensively or while taking damage while trying to cast a spell. Basically, if you are trying to do something that requires concentration to complete (most notably, casting a spell), and you get distracted while trying to do it (most likely, by taking damage, though other conditions exist), then you make a Concentration check to see if you can continue doing the task you were trying to do. If you fail a Concentration check while trying to cast a spell, the spell slot is wasted and the spell does not get completed.
Avatar of Kokusho 07-03-07, 09:16 AM	I hereby stand corrected, as apparently we use a different method than that listed in the books. :p
tarkin 07-03-07, 02:44 PM	Here are the times when I have seen people roll concentration checks. 1. While casting defensively. Most common. 2. While casting a Summon Monster spell (full round), they were hit by an arrow or other missile. 3. When subject to an Acid Arrow, Ice Storm or other spell that does damage over time. 4. Casting while grappled ------- In addition, there are rules fo casting while under violent movement (never seen it happen), and for people that did not cast defensively but took an AoO (never seen it happen).
BW0222 07-03-07, 04:49 PM	Folks, There are times when the DM will call for a concentration check on certain skills. For example, * Picking the lock on a small box while riding a horse. * Trying to tie a knot in a rope during a windstorm. * Disabling a trap in a hallway while taking burn damage from some alchemists fire. * Searching a chest on a ship during rough seas. * Playing the flute in a roudy bar with drunks screaming insults. * Deciphering the code in a book while a battle is raging out in the courtyard. * Cooking a meal when the druid's badger is chasing mice in your kitchen. etc. The DM just creates DCs for such checks. However, these cases are pretty rare. Spellcasting is the main use of the skill.
Dheran 07-05-07, 10:22 PM	Concentration isn't just used when casting spells. It's also the skill to let you use other skills defensively. A DC 15 Concentration check will let you use a 1 standard action skill in combat without provoking an Attack of Opportunity. Heal to treat wounds or poison, Intimidate, Sleight of Hand, and Use Rope to throw a grappling hook are the skills you'll want to use defensively.