In Novus, the casting of a spell can be described as the caster forming a spell matrix and then pumping mana (i.e. Spell Points) through it to empower it. This spell matrix is relatively sturdy, but it can be disrupted. However, the process of disrupting another caster’s spell matrix is never a sure thing. It could result in the other caster failing completely, or just making it so that he does not cast his spell quite so well.

Disrupting the spell matrix of another caster is known as “Casting a Counterspell”. This is actually a 2 step process.

In the first step, the caster of the Counterspell must first make a Magecraft roll (TN 18). If this is successful, he learns how many spell points are involved in the spell that he wishes to counter. This Magecraft roll takes no time at all and is considered to be part of the entire Counterspell process. If the character does not have enough Spell Points to equal those of the spell he wishes to counter, he can always Cancel this action (p. 43 – even if he cancelled another action to cast the Counterspell) and do something else.

If he has enough Spell Points to match those used in his opponent’s spell, he may attempt to cast a Counterspell. This costs him a number of Spell Points equal to the spell he is attempting to counter. This has a Target Number of 18 plus the number of Spell Points used. If the caster succeeds in casting his Counterspell, the amount that his roll over the TN of the Counterspell is subtracted from his opponent’s casting roll.