Do spell-like abilities require concentration?

[Griffith Dragonlake]

According to the SRD “Spell-Like Abilities: Usually, a spell-like ability works just like the spell of that name. A few spell-like abilities are unique; these are explained in the text where they are described.

A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focus or have an XP cost. The user activates it mentally. Armor never affects a spell-like ability’s use, even if the ability resembles an arcane spell with a somatic component.

A spell-like ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description. In all other ways, a spell-like ability functions just like a spell.

Spell-like abilities are subject to spell resistance and to being dispelled by dispel magic. They do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated. Spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled.”

The SRD does not explicitly state whether or not using a spell-like ability requires concentration. However since it states “Usually, a spell-like ability works just like the spell of that name” and “In all other ways, a spell-like ability functions just like a spell,” I have ruled that they do require concentration checks.

Anyone agree or disagree? How do you handle spell-like abilities in your campaigns?

 

[Kalshane]

Yup. Using a spell-like ability provokes AOOs unless "cast defensively" and needs a Concentration check to avoid being disrupted by taking damage.

 

[Ilium]

Yup. Using a spell-like ability provokes AOOs unless "cast defensively" and needs a Concentration check to avoid being disrupted by taking damage.

And presumably requires a Concentration check to use while being grappled? This is suprisingly relevant for me as I forsee one of the PCs in my game tomorrow getting into this exact situation.

 

[Kalshane]

And presumably requires a Concentration check to use while being grappled? This is suprisingly relevant for me as I forsee one of the PCs in my game tomorrow getting into this exact situation.

I would say so. That's another aspect of casting a spell and the description doesn't specify grappling as an exception.

 

[Infiniti2000]

The SRD does not explicitly state whether or not using a spell-like ability requires concentration.

Actually, it does (my emphasis):

Using a spell-like ability works like casting a spell in that it requires concentration and provokes attacks of opportunity.

And presumably requires a Concentration check to use while being grappled?

If you allow a spell-like ability, then yes it requires a Concentration check. And note that the DC is 20+spell level. The counterargument is the lack of an action-type listed in the grapple rules that allow for spell-like abilities (and Su abilities for that matter).

 

[Ilium]

If you allow a spell-like ability, then yes it requires a Concentration check. And note that the DC is 20+spell level. The counterargument is the lack of an action-type listed in the grapple rules that allow for spell-like abilities (and Su abilities for that matter).

True, but given that Spell-Like abilities are described as being like spell casting, but easier (no somatic components, etc.) it seems sensible to allow it. I was just planning to use a reasonable level-equivalent for the Concentration check. The effect in question (Lesser Planar Ally) is a 4th-level cleric spell, so DC 24.

And before anybody mentions it: Yes I know he won't be in much of a position to discuss/bargain with the summoned ally, but there are good in-game reasons to do this anyway.

 

[Geoff Watson]

Lessr Planar Ally takes 10 minutes to cast. I doubt he'd have time do to that in combat.

Geoff.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Lessr Planar Ally takes 10 minutes to cast. I doubt he'd have time do to that in combat.

Lesser Planar Ally as a spell-like ability takes 1 standard action (as do all SPAs), unless the description of the spell-like ability (and not the spell it indirectly references) says otherwise. I would wager that it doesn't, but I have no idea how this SPA was obtained.

 

[Ilium]

Lesser Planar Ally as a spell-like ability takes 1 standard action (as do all SPAs), unless the description of the spell-like ability (and not the spell it indirectly references) says otherwise. I would wager that it doesn't, but I have no idea how this SPA was obtained.

That's correct. The SPA is a class feature of a homebrew class in my game.

We ran the fight this week-end and it turned out he got the summoning off before he got grappled by the Evard's Black Tentacles, so that particular Concentration check never came up.

 

[Benimoto]

Lesser Planar Ally as a spell-like ability takes 1 standard action (as do all SPAs), unless the description of the spell-like ability (and not the spell it indirectly references) says otherwise. I would wager that it doesn't, but I have no idea how this SPA was obtained.

PHB p. 180 has slightly different wording. It says "A spelllike ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description."

So I read it as saying that if the spell description says it takes 10 minutes, the spell-like ability takes 10 minutes.