I have two separate questions regarding spell-like abilities (Sp).
-First, can spell-like abilities be counterspelled? According to the description of page 221, "spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled". However, on page 554 it states that "spell-like abilities can be dispelled and counterspelled as normal". So which is it?
-Secondly, a number of the powers granted to wizards for specializing in an arcane school (such as the necromancer's grave touch or the transmuter's telekinetic fist) are spell-like abilities. However, there is no indication on the level of these spells. Therefore, it's impossible to know if a globe of invulnerability would protect against them, whether they can be absorbed by a rod of absorption, etc.
Thanks to anyone who can enlighten me.
These are excellent questions. I'm not an official source, but this is how I would handle it:
1. Spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, but they can be counterspelled just as a spell.
Justification: Reading the distinguishing characteristics of spell-like abilities, supernatural abilities, and extraordinary abilities, they all sync up except for the spell-like abilities.
Spell-like abilities are subject to dispel magic, spell resistance, and "magic dead" zones, it would seem only natural they would also be subject to counterspell.
If they were not subject to counterspell, they would be more like supernatural abilities. So, counterspell gives supernatural abilities a little niche protection.
(p.554 takes precedence; ignore the unfortunate oversight on p.221)
2. The spell-like abilities given to wizards have a spell level equal to the wizard's highest casting level at the time they receive the ability; usually 1st and 4th.
Justification: Take "Evocation School" as an example. Force Missile (Sp) is basically "magic missile" with a different label and a rate limiter. You get it at first level, and your highest casting level is 1st spell levels, just like "magic missile" (p.309).
Elemental Wall (Sp) is gained at 8th level. At 8th level, your highest casting level is 4th. The ability description references "wall of fire" by stating "The elemental wall otherwise functions like 'wall of fire'"; which is a sorcerer/wizard 4th level spell (p.365).
So, Force Missile (Sp) would be a 1st level, and Elemental Wall (Sp) would be a 4th level.
Again, thanks for the excellent catch on the spell-like abilities. I have dispatched a special retcon unit, and your book will never have not had that contradiction never printed it, shortly.
I have two separate questions regarding spell-like abilities (Sp).
-First, can spell-like abilities be counterspelled? According to the description of page 221, "spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled". However, on page 554 it states that "spell-like abilities can be dispelled and counterspelled as normal". So which is it?
I'm interested in an official ruling on this question, too. Also, do spell-like abilities require Concentration checks like spells for distracting situations?
spell-like abilities function as spells, cast at will without Verbal, Somatic or Material Component most of the time, so it makes sense they can not be counterspelled, for simplicity's sake I'd also make the reverse true and not allow spell-like abilities to counterspell spells either.
The lack of a spell level for many abilities is something I noticed before, generally you can judge the abilities on the rough power they have comparing with spells and which level you get the abilities.
In 3.5 they could not be counterspelled, and while it is not official I beleive most members go with 3.5 ruling in cases of disputes.
In 3.5 they could not be counterspelled, and while it is not official I beleive most members go with 3.5 ruling in cases of disputes.
Thanks. I'll go with that.
Looks like the Bestiary's Appendix has answers to these questions on spell-like abilities.