But does the target KNOW what level spell slot Ive used?
Example: Im fighting a wizard with my wizard. My opponent has a Staff of the Magi (and has used it, lets say its sitting at 45 charges). I cast a 6th level lightning bolt at her - does she know its 6th level, or must she gamble what level Ive used? I ask because she can "catch" or absorb my spell into her Staff. BUT if she thinks its 3rd level she will absorb it...but a 6th level will bring the Staff over 50 spell levels and it will trigger a retributive strike, killing her (or sending her into another plane).
So...when we cast at higher levels, do other spell casters know what it is exactly being cast? Or must they guess?
1) It is DM dependent but ..
a) You don't know what spell is being cast when you try to counterspell (there are rules in Xanathar's that require your reaction to be used to identify a spell but if you do that you can't counterspell anymore since your reaction is gone).
b) You don't know what level a spell is being cast at.
All you know, RAW, is that a spell is being cast and you can choose to counterspell or not.
In a similar vein, you should always tell your DM you are casting a spell giving NPCs a chance to counterspell before stating what spell you are casting. If your group doesn't trust each other, write it down.
2) Staff of the Magi can't absorb a lightning bolt
"Spell Absorption. While holding the staff, you have advantage on saving throws against spells. In addition, you can use your reaction when another creature casts a spell that targets only you."
Lightning bolt targets the caster and extends in a 100' line.
So a Staff of the Magi can absorb a Feeblemind spell but not a Lightning Bolt for example.
3) If you upcast counterspell you can use it to automatically counter spells of the same or lower casting level. A 9TH level counterspell will counter Wish without a roll being required for example.
Also, if you happened to know someone's Staff of the Magi had 45 charges in it and you used a 7th level spell slot to cast hold person and targeted only the one humanoid then if they tried absorbing the spell, the staff would explode. :)
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1) It is DM dependent but ..
a) You don't know what spell is being cast when you try to counterspell (there are rules in Xanathar's that require your reaction to be used to identify a spell but if you do that you can't counterspell anymore since your reaction is gone).
b) You don't know what level a spell is being cast at.
All you know, RAW, is that a spell is being cast and you can choose to counterspell or not.
In a similar vein, you should always tell your DM you are casting a spell giving NPCs a chance to counterspell before stating what spell you are casting. If your group doesn't trust each other, write it down.
2) Staff of the Magi can't absorb a lightning bolt
"Spell Absorption. While holding the staff, you have advantage on saving throws against spells. In addition, you can use your reaction when another creature casts a spell that targets only you."
Lightning bolt targets the caster and extends in a 100' line.
So a Staff of the Magi can absorb a Feeblemind spell but not a Lightning Bolt for example.
3) If you upcast counterspell you can use it to automatically counter spells of the same or lower casting level. A 9TH level counterspell will counter Wish without a roll being required for example.
Also, if you happened to know someone's Staff of the Magi had 45 charges in it and you used a 7th level spell slot to cast hold person and targeted only the one humanoid then if they tried absorbing the spell, the staff would explode. :)