| 1 person marked this as FAQ candidate. |
For items like scrolls, wands and staffs that actually contain spells it's clear that if SR Yes is noted in the spell description then the user must pierce the target's SR. The bulk of wondrous items however often have effects which, while similar, are different than a standard spell. Is SR applicable in those cases based on the spell(s) used to enchant the item or do such effects not allow SR. Examples would be the scare effect of pipes of haunting, the dazing effect of a robe of scintillating colors or even a fireball form a necklace of fireballs.
Look at the type of item it is -- if it is "spell completion" or "spell trigger" then it is a spell effect -- as such it allows SR, the caster level of each item is noted and is all you'll need to make an SR check, since items don't allow for feats to be used with them in most cases (specific exceptions, such as staves, do exist).
I think that fireballs from necklace are affected by SR - the description of the item states that it "detonates as a fireball spell".
Two other examples - I am thinking that answer will be "no", at least in case of robe of scintillating colors - 1) it's effect isn't duplicating any spell and 2) it works like a gaze attack which are supernatural attacks and thus not subject to SR. Pipes of haunting are the hardest to say because they produce effect very similar to scare spell but not exactly but I am more prone to say no than yes in that case.
For spell trigger/completion items it's clear-SR applies. It seems however that the wondrous category would need case by case adjudication then. I'm surprised that the rules seem silent on the topic, or that the answer is so well hidden.
Generally speaking it has to be a spell or SLA. Necklace of fireball brings up a good question. Is it fireball in a can or just a fireball-like effect?
Along that thought: Can you counter spell a fireball from a necklace of fireballs?
Probably not. The Spellcraft skill says:
"This skill is also used to identify the properties of magic items in your possession through the use of spells such as detect magic and identify."
Then goes on to say:
"Attempting to ascertain the properties of a magic item takes 3 rounds per item to be identified and you must be able to thoroughly examine the object."
Likely, an enemy using such a necklace is not going to allow you time to personally examine it. Though I suppose that after he has tossed the first one at you, you would know what it does and maybe be able to counter the next one.
Along that thought: Can you counter spell a fireball from a necklace of fireballs?Probably not. The Spellcraft skill says:
"This skill is also used to identify the properties of magic items in your possession through the use of spells such as detect magic and identify."
Then goes on to say:
"Attempting to ascertain the properties of a magic item takes 3 rounds per item to be identified and you must be able to thoroughly examine the object."
Likely, an enemy using such a necklace is not going to allow you time to personally examine it. Though I suppose that after he has tossed the first one at you, you would know what it does and maybe be able to counter the next one.
It gets even more complicated when you factor in dispell magic as a counterspell. (Due to it saying that it targets the caster of the spell, in this case would it count as the person throwing the bead, or the fireball bead, and if it were the bead would the bead be counterspelled (resulting in the bead being destroyed and nothing happening), or rendered inert for 1d4 rounds (which would result in the bead hitting the ground, but not triggering the spell).
You can't dispel instantaneous effects.
The effect of a spell with an instantaneous duration can't be dispelled, because the magical effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect.
You can't dispel instantaneous effects.
The effect of a spell with an instantaneous duration can't be dispelled, because the magical effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect.
Ah, but you can use dispel magic in lieu of the actual spell as a counterspell, which is what Onishi is referring to. Not the same as dispelling the fireball, it's the generic counterspell function of dispel magic.
Ah, but you can use dispel magic in lieu of the actual spell as a counterspell, which is what Onishi is referring to. Not the same as dispelling the fireball, it's the generic counterspell function of dispel magic.You can't dispel instantaneous effects.
The effect of a spell with an instantaneous duration can't be dispelled, because the magical effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect.
I always assumed that line applied to counterspells also since you are using dispel magic, but it does not say that. I will have to look into the intent later, but it does seem as though I was doing it wrong.