Heightened Spells

Both prepared and spontaneous spellcasters can cast a spell at a higher rank than listed. This is called heightening. The spell’s rank increases to match the slot used. This is useful because some effects (like counteracting) depend on the spell’s rank.

Many spells have additional benefits when heightened, described at the end of the spell’s stat block.

Specific Rank: Some heightened entries list a specific rank (e.g. "Heightened (4th)"). These benefits apply only when cast at exactly that rank.

Per-Rank Increase: Entries with a plus sign (e.g. "Heightened (+1)") apply for every increment above the base rank. Example: Fireball deals 6d6 at 3rd rank. "Heightened (+1) The damage increases by 2d6" means 4th rank = 8d6, 5th rank = 10d6, and so on.

Spontaneous Heightening

Spontaneous casters must know a spell at the specific rank they want to cast it. You can add a spell to your repertoire at multiple ranks for more flexibility. Signature spells (class feature) allow heightening a spell even if you only know it at one rank.

You can use a higher-rank slot to cast a lower-rank spell without heightening it, but it casts at the rank you know it — no heightened benefits. Rarely efficient, but useful in a pinch.