Counter-spelling etiquette - Is it a hostile action?

[ragnarok1983]

First time user of counterspelling here.

Using it today, the other fellow considered it a hostile action. I guess it could be taken that way. I thought of it as a sort of "parry for wizards" so perhaps that's why there is some confusion on my part, especially since it's a reactionary action. FYI, nothing occurred between me and the gent due to a reset anyway.

Just looking for any DM guidance on this one so I can act/react accordingly in game in the future.

Thanks guys!

[DM Strahd]

Counterspelling mode is a completely OOC action, not at all different from toggling Hostile someone. It should never enter the RP, nor it can be considered a PvP consent: your caster simply makes a mental note to watch out for the opponent's eventual spells, and be ready to counter them if need be. Activating Combat Expertise, or Parry Mode are not PvP consent, and Counterspelling mode is not, either.

[DM Fugue]

Counterspelling mode is a completely OOC action, not at all different from toggling Hostile someone. It should never enter the RP, nor it can be considered a PvP consent: your caster simply makes a mental note to watch out for the opponent's eventual spells, and be ready to counter them if need be. Activating Combat Expertise, or Parry Mode are not PvP consent, and Counterspelling mode is not, either.

Well put, as long as you don't counter spell there's no hostile action but once you counter spell someone, it is hostile action.