Counterspelling

Any character who is capable of casting spells can attempt to counteract a spell as it is being cast, as long as they can see the creature casting the spell to be countered, make a successful Caster Level check, and successfully identify the spell being cast with a Spellcraft check.

To Counterspell, the character must take an Immediate Action, spend Mana equal to the amount of Mana expended towards the spell being countered, and make a Caster Level check. The DC for the check is equal to 11 + the Mana expended on the spell. If the character's caster level check is equal to or higher than the DC, the spell is counteracted and has no effect. If the character's caster level check is lower than the DC, the spell is not counteracted and takes effect as normal. If the counterspeller fails the Spellcraft check, they may not roll to Counterspell.

If multiple characters attempt to Counterspell the same effect, the character with the highest caster level check succeeds. If there is a tie, the character with the highest ability score modifier for their relevant spellcasting ability succeeds.

Counterspelling effectiveness may be increased by two means:

1. Dispel Magic: As part of the normal Mana expenditure and action involved in Counterspelling, a spellcaster may cast Dispel Magic to receive an untyped +10 bonus to their Caster Level check to dispel. For example, if you wish to counter a Fireball as it is being cast, you must know Dispel Magic to use this option, and spend 6 Mana (3 against the T3 spell, 3 for Dispel Magic), to roll your Caster Level check at a +10 bonus.
2. True Counter: As part of the normal Mana expenditure and action involved in Counterspelling, a spellcaster may cast the same spell, expending the Mana for it as well, to automatically succeed on the Caster Level check.

To dispel an ongoing spell effect, such as a Fog Cloud or a patch of Grease, see Dispel Magic.