Resisting Spells (p. 216) #

The target character or characters of a spell can choose to either resist the spell or not to.

If the character does not resist it, the character takes the spell’s full effects.

However, if the character resists it, they perform a spell resistance check.

The standard score for a spell resistance check can be found using the following formula. This is called the standard spell resistance score.

Standard spell resistance score = psyche reflex + adventurer level + bonus from Spell Resistance

A [Spell Resistance Ring](/equipment/adventuring-items/) or [Spell Shield Ring](/equipment/adventuring-items/) provide a bonus to spell resistance checks.

You can use this standard spell resistance score to find the total score of a spell resistance check using the formula below.

Final spell resistance check score = standard spell resistance score + 2d6

The standard spell resistance score and final check score may gain bonuses or suffer penalties depending on the items the character possesses or the skills they’re using. Make sure to factor in the effects of any items or skills that affect your character’s spell resistance checks.

Using this final score of the character’s spell resistance check, compare scores (p. 128) with the opponent’s spell use score.

If the spell resistance check’s final score is equal to or higher than the opponent’s spell use score as a result, the character either reduces the spell’s effects or completely nullifies it, causing it to dissipate.

Spells differ on how and to what extent their effects are reduced or nullified when resisted. See the description for the specific spell in question.

Critical successes and failures on spell resistance checks #

If a spell resistance check is a critical success, then regardless of how high the final spell use check is, and no matter what kind of spell it is (even if the spell guarantees an effect, such as halving its damage when resisted), the spell is completely nullified and dissipates, having no effect at all.

If a spell resistance check is a critical failure, then regardless of how low the final spell use check is, and no matter what kind of spell it is, the character receives its effects in their entirety.