Do Spell-Like Abilities Require Concentration Checks?

[Rodger Graham]

Just what the subject says. When threatened or such, do you need to make a concentration check to use a spell-like ability? I was wondering if there is specific entry in the rules that covers this.

Thanks in advanced.

[Buri]

If the spell it's linked to has a component where casting the normal spell would involve a concentration check then yes.

[Irontruth]

Page 183, table 8-2, Spell-like Abilities trigger AoO.

Page 554, spell-like abilities function exactly like spells of the same name.

Page 221, they do not require verbal, somatic or material components. Are not affected by armor. They require a standard action and are considered to have a "casting time".

[Ashenfall]

Buri, what do you mean by "a component?"

Rodger, I just looked through the rules on the SRD, for concentration checks, spell-like abilities, and manifesting psionic powers (to draw a parallel).

I can't see any specific rules that state anything about a concentration check being required to use spell-like abilities defensively (akin to casting defensively), nor anything about a concentration check being required to successfully use spell-like abilities if you're hit by an attack of opportunity.

However, it seems to me that the RAI is that a concentration check should be required. Casting spells require concentration checks, as do manifesting psionic powers. Some people would probably argue that spells require a concentration check due to verbal and somatic components, but psionic powers don't have verbal and somatic components. Some people would also probably argue that psionics aren't "canon" and therefore can't be considered in this equation, but the commonality between spells, psionic powers, and spell-like abilities is that they all require mental focus to cast/manifest. Spell-like abilities also typically require a standard action to use, so I'm considering that to be "X" amount of time (3 seconds?)

I'm sure people will disagree on this topic, but if I were making a ruling in my game, I'd say that using a (Sp) ability defensively would require a concentration check.

If someone knows of some specific section of the rules that says otherwise, I'd love to know.

[Moglun]

Ashenfall wrote:

I can't see any specific rules that state anything about a concentration check being required to use spell-like abilities defensively (akin to casting defensively), nor anything about a concentration check being required to successfully use spell-like abilities if you're hit by an attack of opportunity.
...
If someone knows of some specific section of the rules that says otherwise, I'd love to know.

http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/magic.html

They function exactly like spells, with a specific list of exceptions. Concentration checks are not on that list of exceptions, so they are handled in exactly the same way as with 'regular' spellcasting. Compare to the section on supernatural and extraordinary abilities, which are specifically excepted from being disrupted in combat.

[Buri]

Moglun wrote:

http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/magic.html

They function exactly like spells, with a specific list of exceptions. Concentration checks are not on that list of exceptions, so they are handled in exactly the same way as with 'regular' spellcasting. Compare to the section on supernatural and extraordinary abilities, which are specifically excepted from being disrupted in combat.

This is what I meant, Ashenfall. Treat spell like abilities as normal spells except they don't take up a slot and instead get a certain number of casting per day. This means that at any time as a result of casting a particular spell you would normally have to perform a concentration check that you would also need to do the same for spell-like abilities.