Shield reaction and counterspell at the same time?

[Humpenstilzchen]

I was just wondering if the shield reaction only applies to incoming melee attacks and if I could in this case have both reactions active or should I disable shield and only use counterpell?

[butbka]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

I was just wondering if the shield reaction only applies to incoming melee attacks

No.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Shield

[Recjawjind]

Counterspell negates a spellcast of any kind
Shield gives you +5 AC until the start of your next turn
Both are reactions, and you only have 1 of those per round.

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by butbka:

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

I was just wondering if the shield reaction only applies to incoming melee attacks

No.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Shield

Hmm but doesn´t magic missile also count as a physical attack?

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by Recjawjind:

Counterspell negates a spellcast of any kind
Shield gives you +5 AC until the start of your next turn
Both are reactions, and you only have 1 of those per round.

Ok.. so I guess it´s better to only use counterspell, right?

[butbka]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

Originally posted by butbka:

No.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Shield

Hmm but doesn´t magic missile also count as a physical attack?

I don't understand.
You said "melee attacks". Shield will be applied in case of ranged attacks for example. And MM is definitely not a melee attack.

[butbka]

Originally posted by Recjawjind:

and you only have 1 of those per round.

No. As counter-example:
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Duellist%27s_Prerogative

[Recjawjind]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

Originally posted by butbka:

No.
https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Shield

Hmm but doesn´t magic missile also count as a physical attack?

Magic missile is not an attack. It auto hits. Shield is the only way to avoid it.

[insolent1]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

Ok.. so I guess it´s better to only use counterspell, right?

Yes, but check the spell they are using as some are not worth countering and using up a spell slot. Main thing to watch out for is strong area of effect ones like "hunger of hador".

[butbka]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

Ok.. so I guess it´s better to only use counterspell, right?

Better for what?
To counter spells better to use Counterspell.
To deflect attacks better to use Shield.
Cheers to Cap!

[butbka]

Originally posted by insolent1:

Yes, but check the spell they are using as some are not worth countering and using up a spell slot. Main thing to watch out for is strong area of effect ones like "hunger of hador".

Hmm. It depends. HoH deals little damage, MM can oneshot almost anyone.

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by butbka:

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

Hmm but doesn´t magic missile also count as a physical attack?

I don't understand.
You said "melee attacks". Shield will be applied in case of ranged attacks for example. And MM is definitely not a melee attack.

Ah ok I just thought MM is the one and only spell that counts as physical attack like arrows for example. I might have confused something idk.

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by butbka:

Originally posted by insolent1:

Yes, but check the spell they are using as some are not worth countering and using up a spell slot. Main thing to watch out for is strong area of effect ones like "hunger of hador".

Hmm. It depends. HoH deals little damage, MM can oneshot almost anyone.

So do you think I should have both active and then have it ask me which one I wish to use depending on the situation? I guess I don´t miss out on anything if I do it this way, right?

[butbka]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

Ah ok I just thought MM is the one and only spell that counts as physical attack like arrows for example. I might have confused something idk.

Melee atack is when you took a stick and hit somebody in the face. ;)

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

Shield grants +5 AC and blocks the Magic Missile spell, and lasts until the start of your next turn.

Counterspell causes one spell to fail.

They are used in different situations, although there is occasional overlap. Generally speaking, if Shield would accomplish the same thing as Counterspell (stop a spell from hitting you), then Shield would be the better choice because you can cast it using a lower level spell slot than Counterspell, which is a level 3 spell, and it can possibly block multiple attacks and spells.

You typically only get one reaction per round (although there is an item which can grant an additional reaction), so you might want to have both reactions ready so you can choose on a case by case basis which is best.

[butbka]

Originally posted by Humpenstilzchen:

So do you think I should have both active and then have it ask me which one I wish to use depending on the situation? I guess I don´t miss out on anything if I do it this way, right?

It's up to you and situation. Usually if you have full party there are several persons which are on overwatch with counterspell cause you possibly have also Psionic Dominance for every party member. High level wizard usually is on overwatch for something brutal like Desintegrate or upcasted MM. Shield is not so critical during complex fight but you can apply it for sure. Just look what they cast - reactions choice tab shows you level of spell and number of targets.