D&D 5E What is an evocation spell's level?

[occam]

I'm unsure of how to interpret a couple of the Evocation wizard's class abilities with respect to spell level, and was wondering what others thought about them.

The first is Sculpt Spells, which says that "you can choose a number of [other creatures] equal to 1 + the spell's level". Should that be interpreted to mean the level of the spell, or the level at which it's cast (if cast using a higher-level slot)? The first interpretation seems more direct, but I could see the second also making sense. If you do rule it as the spell's intrinsic level, that could be a reason to use an intrinsically higher-level spell instead of casting something like burning hands with a higher-level slot into a crowd of friendlies. It could be an interesting tactical consideration, I suppose.

The other is Overchannel, which says: "When you cast a wizard spell of 5th level or lower that deals damage, you can deal maximum damage with that spell." Again, is "level" the intrinsic level of the spell, or the level at which it's cast? If you interpret it as intrinsic level, that would mean being able to cast fireball or cone of cold using a 9th-level slot and doing maximum damage. I'm not sure if that was the intent of this feature.

One thing I'm glad they clarified from the playtest: When you learn new spells upon gaining a level, cantrips aren't included.

 

[JC99]

As far as I know, a spell is considered to be the level of the slot used to cast it. So a Fireball cast in a 7th level slot is a 7th level spell.

 

[Grazzt]

As far as I know, a spell is considered to be the level of the slot used to cast it. So a Fireball cast in a 7th level slot is a 7th level spell.

Yep.Page 78 of the Basic Rules....under the Casting a Spell at a Higher Level section.

 

[occam]

Yep.Page 78 of the Basic Rules....under the Casting a Spell at a Higher Level section.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that yet. What threw me off a bit were some other wizard features. For example, Signature Spells clearly seems to refer to intrinsically 3rd-level spells, due to setting the context of "in your spellbook". I like the way that the rule is worded on p. 78, making it clear that the spell level is reset "for that casting", making a distinction vs. spells that are "at rest", so to speak. Signature Spells and Spell Mastery don't deal with spells as they're being cast, so the intrinsic level is what counts.

 

[Stormonu]

I am reminded of this...

Level in D&D

 

[Kobold Stew]

The first is Sculpt Spells, which says that "you can choose a number of [other creatures] equal to 1 + the spell's level". Should that be interpreted to mean the level of the spell, or the level at which it's cast (if cast using a higher-level slot)?

I agree -- level at which it's cast.

One thing I'm glad they clarified from the playtest: When you learn new spells upon gaining a level, cantrips aren't included.

Yes -- it's also clear cantrips are not in spell books. Also a good ruling.

Signature Spells clearly seems to refer to intrinsically 3rd-level spells, due to setting the context of "in your spellbook". I like the way that the rule is worded on p. 78, making it clear that the spell level is reset "for that casting", making a distinction vs. spells that are "at rest", so to speak. Signature Spells and Spell Mastery don't deal with spells as they're being cast, so the intrinsic level is what counts.

I know it say "third-level spells in your spell book", but really, I read it to include amped-up first-and second-level spells as well. If someone wants to learn magic missile as their signature, go for it, say I.

 

[Kobold Stew]

double post

 

[Nebulous]

The other is Overchannel, which says: "When you cast a wizard spell of 5th level or lower that deals damage, you can deal maximum damage with that spell." Again, is "level" the intrinsic level of the spell, or the level at which it's cast? If you interpret it as intrinsic level, that would mean being able to cast fireball or cone of cold using a 9th-level slot and doing maximum damage. I'm not sure if that was the intent of this feature.

I would rule that you can't overcharge fireball (or equivalent) past a 5th level slot, so it would cap at 10d6 (60 damage).