In the Dresden Files RPG, does an Evocation shield have a reactive utility to it?

Question

Say that Player X is 2nd in the initiative. 1st is the Black Court vampire that is in a rage and taking a swing at Player X. Player X gets a built in defense [Athletics/Fists + 4dF] but can Player X instead use his action this turn to cast his Rote Evocation Shield?

It is not his turn in the initiative order. A Block is an Action that a Player can take on his turn.

Thematically though, it seems to make sense that the char could cast a Rote Evocation Shield in response to an attack ahead of him in the initiative order. At least thematically in the books. Also, the example in YS252, shows him reacting to an attack by Agatha Hagglethorn by bring up his shield.

I am hoping there is some as yet undiscovered dark corner where this concept is covered or squashed.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

The book does answer this question, but in the margin on page 253. sigh… I love Evil Hat, but hiding this important rule here is rather… Evil. Thanks to the player that was trying to cast the reactive shield for finding it.

Billy, Can you do Block evocations instead of rolling to defend? How about counterspells?

As written, no—although your group could decide differently. But keep in mind that, when you forgo your defense roll, your attacker only has to overcome your blocking spell— no defense roll means no defense aside from that. If the block isn’ t broken, it persists until the end of the next exchange. And it would have to be an actual block; no use-as armor option. By contrast, I don’t think counterspells can be done reactively, due to the assessment requirement.

Answer 2

I am playing in the same game as the ST. I see his points, but I'm playing devil's advocate.

My opinion is that Evocation Shield is the same as a Block maneuver (as stated in the book). Block is a type of action that can be taken, on your turn as your main action. So, if something gets the drop on you before you get your shield up, you are screwed.

From how I read it...You get your auto defense that you get against every (attack, athletics fists, whatever) but you have not had time to form the spells image in your mind and put it up. That's why being ambushed sucks! That's the advantage of having surprise on a wizard. It sucks for the wizard (probably the PC) but it goes with the theme of wizards needing preparation.

In my opinion, the Example with Agatha & Harry, 252, Agatha "charged" Harry. She'd probably be taking a sprint action to move zones? Harry's action is 'Hell's Bells, I need to Shield myself!' throws up shield, and then she does her attack. I think the example is TOTALLY vague. BUT I do think that it says a BLOCK action is in preparation of someone else's action(or possible action), not as a response to their action.

I really hope someone has something to clear this up. I'm really not trying to rain on Wizard's Parades (I happen to be playing one myself!) but I feel like this is how it works.

Answer 3

I do allow reactive blocks in my games. But I can't point to a point in the book allowing that. It just feels more like the books - Harry can usually defend with magic, so why should my players not?

Also: If a wizard is forced to cast a shielding spell during his turn, he can not "drop a metric ton of destructive force on targets head" (thanks to Digitalnamshub for that term) in that turn. Boring!