The feature says that 'you can use your ki to duplicate the effects of certain spells'. So would this mean that they are not spells, thus cannot be counterspelled or go towards feats that require you to be able to cast spells.
The feature says that 'you can use your ki to duplicate the effects of certain spells'. So would this mean that they are not spells, thus cannot be counterspelled or go towards feats that require you to be able to cast spells.
The thing is that right after that it says "As an action, you can spend 2 ki points to cast..." and then lists a bunch of spells. I think that makes it pretty clear that you are casting spells.
The feature says that 'you can use your ki to duplicate the effects of certain spells'. So would this mean that they are not spells, thus cannot be counterspelled or go towards feats that require you to be able to cast spells.
While Shadow Arts let you cast Darkness, it's cast without spell components, meaning Counterspell can't be used.
It can be used when casting the Minor Illusion cantrip though.
As for feats, it would depend on exact benefit wording.
The feature says that 'you can use your ki to duplicate the effects of certain spells'. So would this mean that they are not spells, thus cannot be counterspelled or go towards feats that require you to be able to cast spells.
While Shadow Arts let you cast Darkness, it's cast without spell components, meaning Counterspell can't be used.
It can be used when casting the Minor Illusion cantrip though.
As for feats, it would depend on exact benefit wording.
A number of feats actually changed in this regard in the 2024 updates. Elemental Adept, Spell Sniper, and War Caster all used to list a prerequisite of "the ability to cast at least one spell", for which a Monk like this would qualify, but the 2024 versions say "Spellcasting or Pact Magic feature" instead, for which this Monk would not qualify.
I had 5E24 in mind, but in 5E14 Counterspell doesn't require the trigerring spells to have Verbal, Somatic, or Material components. I realised by the wording the OP is referring to it. Shadow Arts ability to cast spells would qualify for those older feats too.
Yes, it seems the OP is using the 2014 Way of Shadow, where only the Material component is removed from the spells, meaning they could still be counterspelled.
Shadow Arts You can use your ki to duplicate the effects of certain spells. As an action, you can spend 2 ki points to cast darkness, darkvision, pass without trace, or silence, without providing material components. Additionally, you gain the minor illusion cantrip if you don't already know it.
The feature says that 'you can use your ki to duplicate the effects of certain spells'. So would this mean that they are not spells, thus cannot be counterspelled or go towards feats that require you to be able to cast spells.
The thing is that right after that it says "As an action, you can spend 2 ki points to cast..." and then lists a bunch of spells. I think that makes it pretty clear that you are casting spells.
pronouns: he/she/they
While Shadow Arts let you cast Darkness, it's cast without spell components, meaning Counterspell can't be used.
It can be used when casting the Minor Illusion cantrip though.
As for feats, it would depend on exact benefit wording.
A number of feats actually changed in this regard in the 2024 updates. Elemental Adept, Spell Sniper, and War Caster all used to list a prerequisite of "the ability to cast at least one spell", for which a Monk like this would qualify, but the 2024 versions say "Spellcasting or Pact Magic feature" instead, for which this Monk would not qualify.
pronouns: he/she/they
I had 5E24 in mind, but in 5E14 Counterspell doesn't require the trigerring spells to have Verbal, Somatic, or Material components. I realised by the wording the OP is referring to it. Shadow Arts ability to cast spells would qualify for those older feats too.