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I was unable to locate whether a distinction would be made whether one can use spellcraft to identify a spell-like ability in the same fashion one was identifying a spell being cast. Since there are other situations where these serve their own distinct differences, would the same apply here with regard to the DC?
Thanks!
I was unable to locate whether a distinction would be made whether one can use spellcraft to identify a spell-like ability in the same fashion one was identifying a spell being cast. Since there are other situations where these serve their own distinct differences, would the same apply here with regard to the DC?
Thanks!
A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focus
Identifying a spell as it is being cast requires no action, but you must be able to clearly see the spell as it is being cast, and this incurs the same penalties as a Perception skill check due to distance, poor conditions, and other factors.
Most Perception checks are reactive, made in response to observable stimulus
You have no observable stimulus while the SLA is being used and thus you can't identify it as it is being cast. But other than that everything should be the same.
I was going to hop right back in and state that I should have posted this in the rules forum, but lo and behold I got my answer. Thanks. :)
I would certainly think so PuddingSeven.
There is, of course, a good chance that a spell-like ability could be identified by the appropriate Knowledge Skill, depending on the circumstances.
Circumstances such as...
...the spell effect already being in place (and presumably detectable) including but not limited to items created by magic.
...the spell just targeted you.
That's about it.
Just because the person using the SLA/Spell doesn't have VSM components, doesn't mean the spell has no visual effect whatsoever. This is supported in the rules, as it states they can be counterspelled normally. A normal counterspell required a spellcraft check to identify the spell.
Pathfinder SRD: "Spell-Like Abilities (Sp)
Spell-like abilities, as the name implies, are magical abilities that are very much like spells. Spell-like abilities are subject to spell resistance and dispel magic. They do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated (such as an antimagic field). Spell-like abilities can be dispelled and counterspelled as normal."
...
"If the target of your counterspell tries to cast a spell, make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + the spell's level). This check is a free action. If the check succeeds, you correctly identify the opponent's spell and can attempt to counter it. If the check fails, you can't do either of these things."
Would an Arcane Trickster's ability to cast without any VSM components result in the spells being treated as spell-like abilities for this purpose then? Seems like yes.I was unable to locate whether a distinction would be made whether one can use spellcraft to identify a spell-like ability in the same fashion one was identifying a spell being cast. Since there are other situations where these serve their own distinct differences, would the same apply here with regard to the DC?
Thanks!
A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focusIdentifying a spell as it is being cast requires no action, but you must be able to clearly see the spell as it is being cast, and this incurs the same penalties as a Perception skill check due to distance, poor conditions, and other factors.Most Perception checks are reactive, made in response to observable stimulusYou have no observable stimulus while the SLA is being used and thus you can't identify it as it is being cast. But other than that everything should be the same.
For the purpose of being identified or being identified by spellcraft?
This matters because knowledge arcana allows for spells to be identified after they have gone off if they have an identifiable affect.(Consult the chart for more exact information)