Concentration and spell casting [Archive] - Wizards Community

Concentration and spell casting [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ServanWolf
06-15-07, 07:12 AM i read the information about concetration skill and spell casting times and times, and we ahve a little problem.

It seems that as long that a spellcaster is not near enough to get attacked melee (and then he just have to cast defently), or is not just damaged. He have NO check to do for the cating of his spells...thus all his spells always are working...is that not a bit rediculious?
Psikerlord
06-15-07, 08:31 AM you've got it right, that's how it works. In fact, a caster can take a 5' step out of melee, not provoke an attack of opportunity, and blast his foe all in one round without having to make a roll. The only way to "interrupt" a standard action spell is to ready an action.
InkBlot
06-15-07, 09:27 AM That's right. You only have to make a Concentration check to cast a spell if you're being attacked, if you are within reach of an enemy, or if you are on a moving vehicle (a horse, a boat, a wagon, et cetera).

all his spells always are working...is that not a bit rediculious?
His spells don't always work. Don't forget about saving throws, attack rolls, energy resistance, and spell resistance. There's already enough risk involved when you cast a spell on a monster. If you cast scorching ray, you might fail your attack roll, and if the monster has spell resistance then you have to roll for that too.

For most spellcasting characters, casting spells is very important to them. It's all they do. If they can't depend on their main class feature, then the players won't have any fun.
ServanWolf
06-15-07, 10:48 AM mhmh yeah thats true

but what with that ready an action ... as long as you ready an action to interrupt (thus counter) the spell of a caster, you cannot take actions yourself isnt it?
Salla
06-15-07, 11:00 AM mhmh yeah thats true

but what with that ready an action ... as long as you ready an action to interrupt (thus counter) the spell of a caster, you cannot take actions yourself isnt it?

Generally no, but really, if you can shut down a spellcaster, it's usually going to be worth it.
tarkin
06-15-07, 11:14 AM Times when the spell caster has to make a concentration check.

1. When the bad guy gets up close and personal (Casting Defensively)

2. When the bad guy grapples him, or entagles him (web spell, Entagle spell, etc. etc.)

3. When someone readies an action.

4. When casting a spell with a duration greater than one round (any Summon monster spell) and someone attacks you that round.

5. When you are struck by a spell with damage over time, which includes the following popular core spells:

Acid Arrow
Ice Storm
Acid Cloud

#1 is the most common. But I have seen all of the other situations arise

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ServanWolf 06-15-07, 07:12 AM	i read the information about concetration skill and spell casting times and times, and we ahve a little problem. It seems that as long that a spellcaster is not near enough to get attacked melee (and then he just have to cast defently), or is not just damaged. He have NO check to do for the cating of his spells...thus all his spells always are working...is that not a bit rediculious?
Psikerlord 06-15-07, 08:31 AM	you've got it right, that's how it works. In fact, a caster can take a 5' step out of melee, not provoke an attack of opportunity, and blast his foe all in one round without having to make a roll. The only way to "interrupt" a standard action spell is to ready an action.
InkBlot 06-15-07, 09:27 AM	That's right. You only have to make a Concentration check to cast a spell if you're being attacked, if you are within reach of an enemy, or if you are on a moving vehicle (a horse, a boat, a wagon, et cetera). all his spells always are working...is that not a bit rediculious? His spells don't always work. Don't forget about saving throws, attack rolls, energy resistance, and spell resistance. There's already enough risk involved when you cast a spell on a monster. If you cast scorching ray, you might fail your attack roll, and if the monster has spell resistance then you have to roll for that too. For most spellcasting characters, casting spells is very important to them. It's all they do. If they can't depend on their main class feature, then the players won't have any fun.
ServanWolf 06-15-07, 10:48 AM	mhmh yeah thats true but what with that ready an action ... as long as you ready an action to interrupt (thus counter) the spell of a caster, you cannot take actions yourself isnt it?
Salla 06-15-07, 11:00 AM	mhmh yeah thats true but what with that ready an action ... as long as you ready an action to interrupt (thus counter) the spell of a caster, you cannot take actions yourself isnt it? Generally no, but really, if you can shut down a spellcaster, it's usually going to be worth it.
tarkin 06-15-07, 11:14 AM	Times when the spell caster has to make a concentration check. 1. When the bad guy gets up close and personal (Casting Defensively) 2. When the bad guy grapples him, or entagles him (web spell, Entagle spell, etc. etc.) 3. When someone readies an action. 4. When casting a spell with a duration greater than one round (any Summon monster spell) and someone attacks you that round. 5. When you are struck by a spell with damage over time, which includes the following popular core spells: Acid Arrow Ice Storm Acid Cloud #1 is the most common. But I have seen all of the other situations arise