Spell Index

Detect Magic

Detect and analyse the magic in a given area, creature or object

Divination
Action: Standard
Components: V,S,M
Spell Lists: Arcane
Levels: 1,3
Range: medium

Detect Magic is the most fundamental and widely used divination spell. It allows the caster to perceive magical auras and gather valuable information about magical effects in their vicinity. If Detect Magic is cast as a level 3 spell, it can gather even more information such as the name of the active spell. For magic effects concealed by a spell like Magic Aura, Detect Magic must overcome the aura in an opposed DC check.

Detect Magic Level 1

When cast at its base level, Detect Magic reveals:

  1. The presence or absence of active magic
  2. The school of magic for each detected effect
  3. Approximate caster level (lower, equal to, or higher than the caster's level)
  4. The number of distinct magical effects active in the area

Detect Magic Level 3

When cast as a 3rd-level spell, Detect Magic provides additional information:

  1. The name of the spell (if known to the caster)
  2. The wizard's signature, revealing the spell's caster
  3. The order in which the spells were cast
  4. An estimate of how long the magical effects have been present
  5. A more precise approximation of the caster level

Area Scaling

The area that can be scanned increases with the caster's level (CL):