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which is a neat rationale for why a Astrally perceiving character cannot Counterspell targets on the Material: their spiritbod is on the Astral and it's the spirity bit that does the mojo.
This is where I object. astral perception lets you glimpse into the astral plane, but do not fully cross the border. The "spirit" is still residing in the body (obviously). But as it is somewhat odd or endless to diskuss different perceptions of a metaphisical plane in a fantasy world, as there just is nothing to proof. I will take a little pick at the source. Physical, nonmagical actions have a -2 while you are astrally perceiving, magical actions on the physical plane seem not to be restricted out of the way. On the astral you can cast mana spells and are restricted to your body, astrally attackable though. You gain access to your astralbody by fully projecting. I remember certain metamagical practices in former editions, that need you to astrally perceive while working makic on the physical plane (though I am not 100% about 4th Ed.).
If you can cast spells on the physical you will most probably be able to counterspell there aswell. None of the restrictions that are mentioned for astrally the perceiving, include counterspeling. While dual natured beings do not have the negative modifier of 2 on physical actions, because they are more natural to duallity, they would not be able to counterspell or work magic at all on the physical plane, following your argumentation.
While astrally perceiving you have access to both worlds. That is what I stick with, as to me, it makes perfect sense, from multiple points of view.
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Don't forget astrally projecting characters that are manifesting.
why...? What about them?