Using the counterspell action by casting «dispel magic» from a wand

[johnnytrouble]

A big hello to all the Community! It's my first post here and I haven't found any satisfying answer in other threads, so I apologize in advance.

I'm preparing a 15th-level wizard, and he's focused on dispelling and counterspelling; in addition, I gave him the "staff-like wand" arcane discovery, so he can apply his caster level and Intelligence modifier to the spell cast from a wand.

My question is: can I counterspell using a wand or a staff?

Thanks in advance to everyone who would answer! :D

[Curghann]

There shouldnt be any issue using a staff/wand to cast Dispel Magic as a standard counterspell action.

There may be some specific counterspell specific action/rule that allows for doing it as a different type of action, and unless you also have some commensurate ability that allows you activate a staff/wand as that same type of action, you may not be able to use those special abilities with a wand/staff.

[johnnytrouble]

Curghann wrote:

There shouldnt be any issue using a staff/wand to cast Dispel Magic as a standard counterspell action.

There may be some specific counterspell specific action/rule that allows for doing it as a different type of action, and unless you also have some commensurate ability that allows you activate a staff/wand as that same type of action, you may not be able to use those special abilities with a wand/staff.

Thanks for the reply; this is exactly what I intended when I read the wizard ability. I only hope that my DM will accept it :D

[That Crazy Alchemist]

Countering a spell is simply a readied action. You can absolutely ready your action to cast dispel magic from your wand as a counterspell.

Counterspelling is also rarely used, and is widely considered a weak option for a spellcasters turn. Because of this, your GM really shouldn't be going out of his way to nerf the playstyle.

[PokeyCA]

Depends on what you are going against and if you have prior information. At 15th level, a good first non-surprise round action sequence against a spell caster, would be a quickened greater dispel magic and a readied action for counterspelling. Gets rid of buff spells you can dispel and then prepares for their response. Could also allow your melee PCs to have a round of getting closer without worrying about bunching or lining up.

[Ryan Freire]

The Counterspell Savant is a really good guide on making counterspelling both work and worthwhile in pathfinder, though it uses arcanist rather than wizard.