Counterspell components. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Counterspell components. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
CantripN
06-18-06, 12:55 AM I just noticed it says you need to perform the spell you counter with all components, even as a counterspell. That would mean that countering a Stoneskin would cost gold and countering a Wish would cost XP. I find that silly, as you don't even summon magical energy but rather supress anothers. I only require V/S (And sometimes F/DF) materials to be used in counterspells. What are your stances on this?
runestar
06-18-06, 01:10 AM If your opponent is expending 5000xp on a wish spell which will be countered, why shouldn't you be expending 5000xp on your wish spell which will be used to counter his? ;)

How Counterspells Work: To use a counterspell, you must select an opponent as the target of the counterspell. You do this by choosing the ready action. In doing so, you elect to wait to complete your action until your opponent tries to cast a spell. (You may still move your speed, since ready is a standard action.)
If the target of your counterspell tries to cast a spell, make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + the spell’s level). This check is a free action. If the check succeeds, you correctly identify the opponent’s spell and can attempt to counter it. If the check fails, you can’t do either of these things.
To complete the action, you must then cast the correct spell. As a general rule, a spell can only counter itself. If you are able to cast the same spell and you have it prepared (if you prepare spells), you cast it, altering it slightly to create a counterspell effect. If the target is within range, both spells automatically negate each other with no other results.

Yes, you must provide all the necessary components of a spell to cast it, even as a counterspell. Obviously, common sense would dictate that in the case of expensive spells where you are unwilling to expend the necessary components, you should use dispel magic or improved counterspell instead.
CantripN
06-18-06, 01:13 AM If your opponent is expending 5000xp on a wish spell which will be countered, why shouldn't you be expending 5000xp on your wish spell which will be used to counter his? ;)

Think of it like this:
Guy 1: Charges and tries to hit Guy 2.
Guy 2: Sidesteps.
Guy 1: Swings his sword.
Guy 2: Sidesteps.
You get the idea. The initiator wastes more energy.
Blocking with a shield or parrying/retaliating is the equivelent of casting your own spell. I see counterspells like this: Guy 1 waves his arms, sacrifices a newlyborn babe and a piece of his soul to open a Gate. Guy 2 waves his hand, and Guy 1 is foiled. It makes counterspells more useful and cool. Not RAW, but fresh.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
CantripN 06-18-06, 12:55 AM	I just noticed it says you need to perform the spell you counter with all components, even as a counterspell. That would mean that countering a Stoneskin would cost gold and countering a Wish would cost XP. I find that silly, as you don't even summon magical energy but rather supress anothers. I only require V/S (And sometimes F/DF) materials to be used in counterspells. What are your stances on this?
runestar 06-18-06, 01:10 AM	If your opponent is expending 5000xp on a wish spell which will be countered, why shouldn't you be expending 5000xp on your wish spell which will be used to counter his? ;) How Counterspells Work: To use a counterspell, you must select an opponent as the target of the counterspell. You do this by choosing the ready action. In doing so, you elect to wait to complete your action until your opponent tries to cast a spell. (You may still move your speed, since ready is a standard action.) If the target of your counterspell tries to cast a spell, make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + the spell’s level). This check is a free action. If the check succeeds, you correctly identify the opponent’s spell and can attempt to counter it. If the check fails, you can’t do either of these things. To complete the action, you must then cast the correct spell. As a general rule, a spell can only counter itself. If you are able to cast the same spell and you have it prepared (if you prepare spells), you cast it, altering it slightly to create a counterspell effect. If the target is within range, both spells automatically negate each other with no other results. Yes, you must provide all the necessary components of a spell to cast it, even as a counterspell. Obviously, common sense would dictate that in the case of expensive spells where you are unwilling to expend the necessary components, you should use dispel magic or improved counterspell instead.
CantripN 06-18-06, 01:13 AM	If your opponent is expending 5000xp on a wish spell which will be countered, why shouldn't you be expending 5000xp on your wish spell which will be used to counter his? ;) Think of it like this: Guy 1: Charges and tries to hit Guy 2. Guy 2: Sidesteps. Guy 1: Swings his sword. Guy 2: Sidesteps. You get the idea. The initiator wastes more energy. Blocking with a shield or parrying/retaliating is the equivelent of casting your own spell. I see counterspells like this: Guy 1 waves his arms, sacrifices a newlyborn babe and a piece of his soul to open a Gate. Guy 2 waves his hand, and Guy 1 is foiled. It makes counterspells more useful and cool. Not RAW, but fresh.