This came up in my group's last game night. We were combatting an enemy who cast Improved Invisibility, the 4th Level version. My character thought about using a Dispel Magic to counteract the invisibility but I was unsure how to proceed.
My character wasn't able to see the target of the Invisiblity spell, it was undetected or hidden. I assumed that this means I would need to make a flat check to dispel the invisibilty but looking at the actual description of Dispel Magic, I realized that targets of a Dispel Magic spell are either one spell effect or an unattended magic item. There are no targetted or area dispels in 2nd edition any more.
So how do I do this according to the rules as written?
a) I can us Dispel Magic to counteract Invisibility and if I manage to make a flat check to find out whether the target is affected by my Dispel Magic spell?
b) I can try to dispel the Invisibility spell if the Invisibility spell effect is within 120 feet and without being able to observe the recipient of the Invisiblity spell at all?
c) Before I can try to dispel the Invisibility spell, I need to detect the source of the magic, e.g. with a 5th level Detect Magic spell?
Thank you for your input!
Looks like no to all of those.
Oof thats rough yeah, without the area option you can't target someone you can't see. Even with detect magic for 2-3 rounds you can't see the spell to target it , you just know the location. You almost need see invis or blind sight to target them.
I agree that you can't dispel without having see invisibility or blindsight to locate them first.
As you approach/reach 10th level where this is a concern I think it's every individual PC's responsibility to have either the see invisibility armor upgrade, a spell gem/spell thrower of see invisibility, blindsight/sense, or explode/blast weapons to mitigate this issue.
Worse case run away to total cover or drop some total concealment until the duration runs out, rinse/repeat until they're out of slots or try a different tactic.