Concentration Question

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

VisageofGlory

Sep 14, 2014 15:59:31

So with the rule for concentration being that you can't have two spells that require concentration and casting another spell that does require breaks it, when does it actually end it?  Is it when you start casting it, when it ends, or when you start concentrating on the new spell?  As an example, if you are concentrating on Bane and affecting Wisdom, if cast something like Dominate Person, would they get the disadvantage to the saving throw or would Bane end before Dominate Person resolves?

 

To me, it would make sense that the first spell drops off when you begin to concentrate on the new spell, not when you cast it, since you can cast none-concentration spells just fine.  Obviously, the effect of the first spell ends after your second spell resolves, but it doesn't seem unreasonable to try to do this combo with only caster, IMO.

 

This also brings up another question about what happens if you cast a spell with concentration while concentrating and your second spell fails.  I can see how that might go either way, though I think RAW both spells would probably fizzle.

#2

Archon007

Sep 14, 2014 23:07:51

As soon as they start casting the new spell the old spell ends

#3

Undrhil

Sep 15, 2014 1:01:08

So, if you cast a spell that is Duration: Concentration, 1 hour, and it requires an attack roll and the attack misses, that is still considered cast and any other concentration spell you might have had running is ended, also?

#4

2Chlorobutanal

Sep 15, 2014 1:11:19

Yep.  The rules say that the very act of casting a spell that requires concentration breaks your concentration.  Whether you actually concentrate on the spell is irrelevant.

 

Also, note that Readying any spell also immediately breaks your concentration as soon as you begin to Ready, even if you cast the spell several actors' turns later (or don't cast it at all).

#5

Synjin

Sep 15, 2014 14:20:35

Yeah, the moment you begin to cast the second spell that requires concentration, the affect of the first spell stops.