In the section on magical duels in Ultimate Magic, there is an option called a dueling counter which works similar to counterspells but act as immediate actions (and have no guarantee to succeed). I was wondering what people thought of this notion as I've considered adding it as an option for spellcasters even outside of duels. I'm worried it might slow down the game a bit but it otherwise gives spellcasters some interesting defensive options.
For those who have read the rules for dueling counters, what are your thoughts about using them in the game all the time?
Consider it very carefully for you caster bosses. Could hamper them too much from the action economy standpoint compared to a group with 2-3 casters.
Consider it very carefully for you caster bosses. Could hamper them too much from the action economy standpoint compared to a group with 2-3 casters.
That's interesting because I was thinking it would have exactly the opposite effect. Since the caster level check to counter is in the neighbourhood of 15+CL, single enemy casters would almost never have their spells countered (assuming they're probably higher level than the spell casters in the PC party. On the other hand, they'd be great at countering the PC's spells. Since it only uses an immediate action, it would actually increase the action economy of the lone enemy spellcaster.
A party of 8th level PCs would probably face a CR ~10 single opponent which would mean an 11th level wizard. The PCs would need to make a DC 26 caster level check and thus need 18 or better to counter a spell (with bonuses and penalties based on the table). On the other hand, the PC's spells are only DC 23 so the enemy need only roll 12 or better to counter their spells. Heck, if he had the same spell available, it would be anything but a 1.
I was actually worried that this would hurt the PCs more than their enemies (and that it may needlessly slow down combat).
A sorcerer with dispel magic could be quite a pain. Since the DC is 4 lower (only 11+CL), he would succeed more often and sorcerers have far more spells per day than wizards.
Perhaps a caveat should be included that says you can only counter spells which include you as a target or in their area of effect. For duels, this won't make much of a difference but otherwise it could prevent spellcaster PCs from trying to counter spells which are targetting their allies and vice versa.