Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Madmartigan 02-04-05, 07:50 AM	Hey, sorry if this has been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find it (or may have just plain missed it :embarrass ) Anyhow, I was wondering, can you use a Shadow Conj. or Evocation spell to counter other spells of the appropriate type? For example, could I use a Shadow Evocation spell to duplicate the effects of a Fireball spell to counter the Fireball spell the BBEG is about to cast (assuming, of course, I readied an action and have identified it as the spell about to be cast)? Or is this spell limited to countering other Shadow Conj./Evocation spells? Part of me would say it could, due to the fact that it uses everything else for the other spells they duplicate, but I just am uncertain about using it. I'm split 50/50, so any advice would be great and well appreciated. Thanks, Mad.
Vharuck 02-04-05, 08:37 AM	No, since neither spell actually comes into effect, the shadow one never becomes any evocation or conjuration spell before it fizzles.
dantedarkstar 02-04-05, 11:37 AM	No. Counterspelling is based on what the spell is, not what effect it has. That's why metamagics don't affect counterspelling (with the only exception being Heighten Spell combined with Improved Counterspelling). It doesn't matter for example whether the spell is fire, acid or lightning, as long as it's Fireball (with energy substitution metamagic) you can dispel it with Fireball.
Madmartigan 02-04-05, 11:40 AM	I suppose that makes sense. Does it specify anywhere in the DMG or PHB a bit more on counterspells, besides that a spell can be used to counterspell itself. It sure would have been cool though if Shadow Conj./Evo. could counterspell ...
SureFoot 02-04-05, 12:10 PM	I suppose that makes sense. Does it specify anywhere in the DMG or PHB a bit more on counterspells, besides that a spell can be used to counterspell itself. It sure would have been cool though if Shadow Conj./Evo. could counterspell ... Yes it does. look in the SRD under "counterspells." but I'll paraphrase for you: You can counterspell with -exact spell (if you have identified the spell to counter with a spellcraft check). Metamagic doesn't enter into it. -dispel magic can counter any spell (sometimes--you haev to make the check, see dispel magic) -certain specific spells counter their opposites (Slow and Haste counter and dispel each otehr, as noted in their description) that's it.
Madmartigan 02-04-05, 01:59 PM	For the sake of arguement then, would a Wish spell, which can duplicate spells, be able to act as the apropriate spell for a Counterspell (ignoring the fact that it could be used so much better)?
Vharuck 02-04-05, 02:08 PM	No, it can only counter other wish spells.