Optimize arcanist counterspell ability

[Vestax159]

I was wondering what exist to increase the chance of succeeding dispel checks, specifically for the purpose of counterspell. Keep in mind this is for a full caster, so extra caster levels won't help ( They can't go above HD ).

Counterspell

[Dasrak]

Quote:

Keep in mind this is for a full caster, so extra caster levels won't help ( They can't go above HD ).

Unless they specifically state otherwise caster level increases can push you above your HD. Unfortunately, there aren't too many of these. There's the Varisian Tattoo (aka mage's tattoo) feat which gives you +1 CL to one school of magic, the Spell Specialization feat that gives you +2 CL to a single spell, and the Orange Prism Ioun Stone which is very expensive but a slotless +1 CL. Combine all of those and you have a respectable +4.

[Letariel]

Dasrak wrote:

Quote:

Keep in mind this is for a full caster, so extra caster levels won't help ( They can't go above HD ).

Unless they specifically state otherwise caster level increases can push you above your HD. Unfortunately, there aren't too many of these. There's the Varisian Tattoo (aka mage's tattoo) feat which gives you +1 CL to one school of magic, the Spell Specialization feat that gives you +2 CL to a single spell, and the Orange Prism Ioun Stone which is very expensive but a slotless +1 CL. Combine all of those and you have a respectable +4.

Don't forget that counterspelling counts as a caster level check, so the Kimono helps. Also if you get all those feats to boost dispel magic, you can get spell perfection on it to double it all. I've heard of characters getting up to a caster level of 36 if they stack everything on dispelling (like Sela), so you could be a very effective counterspeller, if you focus. Also, don't forget the obvious other things like the Greater Counterspell and Counter Drain exploits. :-)

[kyrt-ryder]

So... do caster level buffs to Dispel Magic actually apply to this? It's not casting the spell or using it in anyway, just 'as if using dispel magic.

[Letariel]

kyrt-ryder wrote:

So... do caster level buffs to Dispel Magic actually apply to this? It's not casting the spell or using it in anyway, just 'as if using dispel magic.

As the section you quoted, yes, it does everything as if you are casting dispel magic, with the stated exception that it doesn't trigger anything if you are successful.

[kyrt-ryder]

Hmmm, it burns your Magic Trait, but Scorned By Magic gives a -1 caster level for incoming spells in regards to dispel checks against them [or beating them with SR, but PCs usually don't get SR.] This one I know for a fact works.

As for Dispel Magic optimization [assuming it works], its mostly going to be caster level shenanigans.

Campaign Trait: Outlander [Lore Seeker] +1 CL and DC to 3 spells of your choosing.

Region Trait: Secrets of the Impossible Kingdom +1 CL to one spell of your choosing.

Alternate Magic Trait [if Dispel Magic optimization works for this purpose, taking this trait is more practical once you hit level 5 because it also applies to active use of Dispel Magic]: Gifted Adept +1 CL to one spell of your choosing.

Varisian Tatoo Feat: +1 CL Abjuration [requires Spell Focus Abjuration]

Spell Specialization Dispel Magic: +2 CL Dispel Magic [requires Spell Focus Abjuration]

I'm sure there are a few other options I missed, perhaps things that specifically benefit Dispel Checks.