combatmode cast defensively

[Kavrin]

There's an option under combatmode called cast defensively, which isn't mentioned in help combatmode or any other helpfile I can find. The command itself says it avoids attacks of opportunity when casting, and it does.

Is there any disadvantage to this? Why would anyone choose combatmode -cast defensively?

[Nylo]

I haven't been able to find any disadvantage. You have to make a concentration check every time you cast, instead of just when you get hit in combat, but it's apparently not a very high DC.

[Athon]

The rulebook:

Code: Select all

Casting on the Defensive

Casting a spell while on the defensive does not provoke an attack of opportunity. It does, however, require a Concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) to pull off. Failure means that you lose the spell. 

No attack of opportunity is a big deal. A GM in concentration should theoretically never fail (GM = 25; highest check can be is 15 + 9 = 24). A 24 is not especially hard to achieve, seeing as you can train concentration up fairly high through trainers and you should get an additional bonus from your CON.

It'd still be wise to turn it off when you're not against opponents with attacks of opportunity.

[Kethyean]

Does concentration work similar to this when trying to quaff a potion? So far every time I tried to use one in battle it was always dropping the potion.

[Nylo]

Potions go off your dexterity - no concentration check.

[Kavrin]

With 13 con and no skill at all in concentration, I haven't failed a spell once with this mode turned on.

[Raona]

I think it may just not provide a failure echo - is your spell actually being cast every time?

[Kavrin]

As far as I can tell my spells cast every time.

[Nylo]

Concentration is usually one of the first things I train, up to 12 or 13, but I can't remember ever losing a spell in defensive. So it might not be rolling like it should.