Say I cast Disintegrate, and use Heightened Metamagic on it.
The target (we are all within 60 ft) reacts with Counterspell (a wise move). Disintegrate is a 6th level spell, so Counterspell is subject to a DC 16 save.
The issue:
As Heightened affects the first save against the spell cast, is it now Counterspell which is instead at a disadvantage? Or will Heightened only apply to any save against Disintegrate's effect?
The text of Heightened:
When you cast a spell that forces a creature to make a saving throw to resist its effects, you can spend 3 sorcery points to give one target of the spell disadvantage on its first saving throw made against the spell.
I think it is the former, resulting in the Disintegration spell save not being at a disadvantage should Counterspell fail, but thought I'd seek opinions.
Say I cast Disintegrate, and use Heightened Metamagic on it.
The target (we are all within 60 ft) reacts with Counterspell (a wise move). Disintegrate is a 6th level spell, so Counterspell is subject to a DC 16 save.
The issue:
As Heightened affects the first save against the spell cast, is it now Counterspell which is instead at a disadvantage? Or will Heightened only apply to any save against Disintegrate's effect?
The text of Heightened:
I think it is the former, resulting in the Disintegration spell save not being at a disadvantage should Counterspell fail, but thought I'd seek opinions.
Great point.
I could, and would, use Counterspell in that case, making my original concern moot.
Avoids the debate with my DM too.
Counterspell says:
It doesn't say it's a save, so it's not a save. Heightened spell does nothing to it, but they also don't get their save proficiency.
Another good point. Thanks.