Post/Author/DateTime	Post
dedonas 10-08-03, 12:10 PM	I have a few questions about the counterspell ability, I'm sure some of these may have been asked before, but I couldn't find the answers. The first question I have is what happens if I am trying to cast a spell that my enemy decides to counterspell and I fail (due to wearing armor or something)? Is his counterspell then cast as a spell (so am I now hit with the fireball)? Or what if I was out of spells and wanted to attempt to fake a spell with my knowledge of spell craft (in other words, mutter some mumbo jumbo to make another wizard think I was casting a spell). If the other mage tried to counterspell my fake spell would it be cast? I know these are kind of unusual questions, but I appreciate any help that anyone is able to offer.
tonkounakaki 10-08-03, 04:48 PM	I've always interpreted counterspells to be spells cast in such a way as to nullify their own effect. It's not that two fireballs roar out of caster's fingertips to blast each other into nothingness, it's that the counterspelling mage sends a warp of arcane energy that effects the weave at in exactlly the right way, at exactlly the right time to nullify the same spell. So, in your first example, the spell never actually happens, due to your botching the casting. Since Counterspelling requires a spellcraft check, I would have the check tell the mage who made it, that you didn't cast your spell correctlly, if he still wants to counterspell (if afraid of a tactic like your second example) Then he can go ahead and use the spell, but it doesn't have the normal effects As for the second example, I would require you to roll a bluff check, opposed by either a spellcraft check, or a sense motive check by the other mage. If you win, he thinks you're casting for real, and counterspells (with no obvious effect, other then he loses the spell) If he wins, then he knows your farce for what it is, and may react appropriatelly (since he's obviously readied an action)