D&D 5E Disciple of Life spell level with higher level spell slots

[landen99]

The Cleric Life Domain has a feature called the Disciple of Life which adds heal points equal to 2 + spell level. Does the spell level equal the base spell level of the spell or the spell slot level that the spell is being cast as? In other words, if a level 1 spell is cast as a level 2 spell, is it considered to be cast as a level 2 spell?

Let's say that I cast Cure Wounds, a level 1 spell, healing for 1d8+"spellcasting ability modifier". Rolling an "8" with a "spellcasting ability modifier" of 4, I heal one target for 12 hp. Disciple of Life adds 2+1=3 hp because the level 1 spell was cast with a level 1 slot.

But let's say I cast Cure Wounds as a level 2 spell slot. I roll a 2nd d8 for 8 bringing the base single target healing to 20 hp (8+8+4). Being cast as a level 2 spell, does Disciple of Life add 2+2=4 additional hp of healing totaling 24 hp (8+8+4+2+2)?

Would casting Cure Wounds as a 9th level spell slot yield 10d8+4+2+9 (+15) hp healing?

 

[Croesus]

I would use the actual spell slot for this purpose, so using a 2nd level slot would yield 2d8 + MOD + 2 + 2.

I'm a bit unsure how you get a 10th level slot, but maybe that's something I missed in the rules.

 

[Quartz]

But let's say I cast Cure Wounds as a level 2 spell slot. I roll a 2nd d8 for 8 bringing the base single target healing to 22 hp (8+8+6). Being cast as a level 2 spell, does Disciple of Life add 2+2=4 additional hp of healing totaling 26 hp (8+8+6+2+2)?

Yes.

 

[landen99]

Good point. Only 9th level spell slots. Adjusted original post accordingly.

 

[rjfTrebor]

it's not a 2nd level spell, it's a first level spell in a second level slot. the ability makes no mention of slots, only spell level.

 

[Croesus]

it's not a 2nd level spell, it's a first level spell in a second level slot. the ability makes no mention of slots, only spell level.

While technically true, there still some ambiguity, given that spells can be cast at a higher level. Combined with the minimal effect (+1 hp per spell level), I'm comfortable interpreting the ability to use the level of the slot. YMMV

 

[rjfTrebor]

While technically true, there still some ambiguity, given that spells can be cast at a higher level. Combined with the minimal effect (+1 hp per spell level), I'm comfortable interpreting the ability to use the level of the slot. YMMV

after reading the section on casting a spell in a higher slot(phb p201), i've come to agree. it says that a Magic Missile cast using a 2nd level slot is 2nd level now.

 

[aramis erak]

after reading the section on casting a spell in a higher slot(phb p201), i've come to agree. it says that a Magic Missile cast using a 2nd level slot is 2nd level now.

Yep, and since almost no spells (excluding cantrips) gain anything unless cast at a higher levels than base, it would be consistent to do likewise for the bonuses.

 

[the Jester]

For the record, your ability bonus will never be +6 (without magical aid, anyhow), since stats are capped at 20.

 

[landen99]

For the record, your ability bonus will never be +6 (without magical aid, anyhow), since stats are capped at 20.

From pg 22 of the basic player's handbook:
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom modifier

The proficiency bonus in this case is +2 and the wisdom modifier is +4. Now you do the math: 2+4=?