Magic Spell Detection in DnD 5E Explained | Dice Cove (2023)

What is Detect Magic?

Discover magic(PHB, p. 231) is a 1leveldivination spell available to crafters, bards, clerics, druids, paladins, rangers,Wizardsand Wizards. It requires a vocal and physical component and takes an action to cast. When cast, you can sense magic within 30 feet of you for up to 10 minutes or until you fallconcentrationin the spell. If you sense magic, you can use an action to find out which school of magic it belongs to, if applicable.

You can't feel the magic that way if you're a minute apartlinensof lead, 1 inch of base metal, 1 foot of stone, or 3 feet of earth or wood. The spell breaks through most other barriers.

This spell can be ritually cast, adding ten minutes to the casting time, you can cast Detect Magic without requiring a spell as long as you have Ritual Casting or another trait that allows you to cast ritual spells.

Is Detect Magic a good spell?

Detect Magic is a decent tool spell to have, though its usefulness depends a lotcampaignYou play. For example, a world where magic is extremely rare will see Detect Magic rarely used or often wasted, but the times they pay off will be worth it. Generally, it is recommended that at least one party member has access to this spell, but ideally they would be able to ritualize it. The situations where you might need Detect Magic are often out of combat, so the extra ritual casting time can be worth it to save a 1st level spell slot.

How do you get Detect Magic?

If you like the sound of becoming a magic radar, fear not! Here is a list of how you can get hold of this spell:

• Craftsman, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin,Ranger, magician and magician -All these classes, which are almost all spellsclass, put Detect Magic on their spell list.
• Arcana Domain (Cleric Subclass) –These arcane priests gain Detect magic as an always prepared spell thanks to their Domain Spells feature.
• Arcane Trickster (TricksterSubcategory) -This Rogue can choose spells fromWizard spelllist and can select Detect Magic as one of their unlimited options.
• Eldritch Knight (FighterSubcategory) -As above, this Fighter subclass can choose spells from the Wizard list and can choose Detect Magic as one of their unlimited options.
• Oath of the Watchers (Paladin-underklasse) –These alarming Paladins receive Detect Magic always prepared from 3rd level thanks to the Oath Spells feature.
• OrderAncient Mysteries (Eldritch Summons) –Exclusive to Volume CovenantWarlocks, this invocation grants them a ritual spell that allows them to choose Detect Magic as one of two 1st-level ritual spells they receive at the start. They can also add more rituals to their book that they can find in the form of spell scrolls.
• Eldritch Sight (Eldritch Summons) –This invocation allows you to detect magic at will.
• Aberrant Dragonmark (Company) –This half feat allows you to increase your Constitution by +1, gain Detect Magic, and a cantrip of your choice from the wizard's spell list. Just be careful about casting Detect Magic in case you accidentally damage your allies if you choose to turn it on with aHit the Die.
• Artificer Initiate (Feat) –Aspiring artificers can choose one spell and one 1st-level spell from the Artificer list with this feat, allowing them to cast the latter once per day without needing a spell slot. Intelligence is the casting stat for spells gained from this feat. You also gain proficiency in one type of crafting tool of your choice, which you can then use as a focus for the spells you acquire here.
• Divinely favored (predicate) -Good or neutral gradesadjustmentthey can gain Detect Magic with a free cast once per day with this feat, as well as learn Augury and gain a priestly cantrip of their choice. When you choose this feat, you choose casting stats for the Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma spells.
• Drow High Magic (Feat) –Exclusive to Drow, this feat allows you to cast Detect Magic at will, as well as being able to cast Levitate andBan witchcraftonce per long break each. Charisma is the casting stat for these spells.
• Fey Touched (Feat) –Detect magic as a divination spell means you can choose it with this feat, allowing you to alsoMisty Steponce per extended rest without a spell slot. You can still cast it with any spell you might have from your class, and you can even boost a mental level of your choice by +1 as well.
• Magic initiation(feat) -By choosing one of the fullcaster classes that take Detect Magic, you can get the spell and two cantrips, but you can only do this once per turn. extended break unless you have at least one level in your chosen class.
• Ritual Caster (Feat) –This feat allows you to choose Detect Magic and another ritual spell at 1st level. Receiving the spell this way means you can only cast it ritually, but you can also learn new rituals from scrolls and spellbooks.
• StrixhavenInitiation (Feat)– Choosing any college with this feat gives you a chance to grab Detect Magic, with two dials from a limited list accompanying your rest casting once per year.
• Firbolg(Race) –BothVGtMand MotM versions of this race can cast Detect Magic once per year as part of their Firbolg Magic ability, along with a special version of Disguise Self.
• Detection Mark (Breed Variant) –Among other things, this Eberron-based half-elf variant can cast Detect Magic as part of its Detect Magic feature.

How to play Detect Magic spells

Need help playing the Detect Magic spell? Here are some examples to help you:

• Among the forgotten relics in the dragon's vault, the elven wizard Alistair feels a pull towards the mystical. He closes his eyes and casts the Detect Magic spell, his senses expanding to perceive the invisible currents of magic around him. A golden chalice among the treasure shines with charm in its magical spectacle, revealing its true value beyond meregold.
• As the adventurers enter a suspiciously quiet room in the goblin-infested dungeon, Sorayatie upthe magician chooses attention. She casts Detect Magic, her eyes taking on an eerie glow. The outline of an invisible glyph lights up on the floor in response to her spell, a magical trap now open to all.
• The group stands in front of an ancient stone door in the Forgotten Temple, the key to their questhiddenBesides. Avoid itHumanThe craftsman mumbles the words of the Detect Magic spell and searches for arcane signatures. His gaze is drawn to the intricate carvings on the door, which shine with a subtle auraexorcismmagic, which involves a teleportation spell that can take them to their desired destination.
• In the busy market, the goblin druid Rowan is looking for a part for herdosebrewing. She invokes Detect Magic, her senses expanding to pick out magical resonance in the mundane. To her magical senses, a small stall selling herbs and roots glowed with an unusual glow, indicating the presence of the rare magically infused ingredient.
• Inside the mansion of a suspected necromancer, the half-elven cleric Arannis casts Detect Magic in hopes of revealing any hidden magical threats. The lingering aura of necromancy in a set of ominous clues confirms his suspicions,noticeparty to the evil magic practiced within these walls.

Hopefully this article was enlightening and revealed the mysteries of magic to you. If you're interested in this spell for your upcoming Paladin build, be sure to dive inPaladin 5E guide. And for those who want to explore more spells, ourDnD 5E spellsThe department is a treasure trove of knowledge. Good luck out there, adventurers! Until next time, remember to keep an eye on the walls, because they hold countless secrets!