We had a combat the other night where a 1st level Faerie Fire spell was cast on a group, then the warlock cast their 2nd level Darkness spell. From the description of Darkness:
"If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of light created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell that created the light is dispelled."
The Faerie Fire spell would have been dispelled according to the levels used. My question is if the Faerie Fire had been cast at 3rd level. What would happen then? I had a couple of thoughts on this, but I wanted to get a forum response.
Outcome A: Faerie Fire, at its core, is a 1st level evocation spell. Even if it was upcast to 3rd, it would still be dispelled due to the complexity of the spell itself; Outcome B: The Faerie Fire would carve out a space in the Darkness the size of its circumference if it was cast at 3rd and if Darkness was cast at 2nd level; Outcome C: The two spells overlap and cancel out the advantage (Faerie Fire) and disadvantage (Darkness) the give, resolving into a flat to-hit roll regardless of level;
In my opinion, Faerie Fire should either be cast at a level higher than 2nd or be dispelled by Darkness.
Then you need to consider the positions of the creatures to determine whether you have advantage, disadvantage, or if they cancel out in your attacks, based on whether you can see your enemies or not (and vice-versa).
If any of Darkness.'s area overlaps with an area of light created by Faerie Fire of 2nd level or lower, Faerie Fire is dispelled.
If Faerie Fire is cast using 3rd level spell slot, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting and is thus a 3rd level spell.
Being magical light, the area of Faerie Fire overlapping the area of Darkness would therefore illuminate it.
Casting a Spell at a Higher Level
When a spellcaster casts a spell using a slot that is of a higher level than the spell, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting. For instance, if Umara casts magic missile using one of her 2nd-level slots, that magic missile is 2nd level.
Effectively, the spell expands to fill the slot it is put into.
Some spells, such as magic missile and cure wounds, have more powerful effects when cast at a higher level, as detailed in a spell's description.
We had a combat the other night where a 1st level Faerie Fire spell was cast on a group, then the warlock cast their 2nd level Darkness spell. From the description of Darkness:
"If any of this spell's area overlaps with an area of light created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell that created the light is dispelled."
The Faerie Fire spell would have been dispelled according to the levels used. My question is if the Faerie Fire had been cast at 3rd level. What would happen then? I had a couple of thoughts on this, but I wanted to get a forum response.
Outcome A: Faerie Fire, at its core, is a 1st level evocation spell. Even if it was upcast to 3rd, it would still be dispelled due to the complexity of the spell itself;
Outcome B: The Faerie Fire would carve out a space in the Darkness the size of its circumference if it was cast at 3rd and if Darkness was cast at 2nd level;
Outcome C: The two spells overlap and cancel out the advantage (Faerie Fire) and disadvantage (Darkness) the give, resolving into a flat to-hit roll regardless of level;
Appreciate y'all!
In my opinion, Faerie Fire should either be cast at a level higher than 2nd or be dispelled by Darkness.
Then you need to consider the positions of the creatures to determine whether you have advantage, disadvantage, or if they cancel out in your attacks, based on whether you can see your enemies or not (and vice-versa).
If any of Darkness.'s area overlaps with an area of light created by Faerie Fire of 2nd level or lower, Faerie Fire is dispelled.
If Faerie Fire is cast using 3rd level spell slot, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting and is thus a 3rd level spell.
Being magical light, the area of Faerie Fire overlapping the area of Darkness would therefore illuminate it.