Detect Magical Aura
Universal
Level: Acolyte 0, Mage 0; Components: V, S; Casting Time: Attack action; Range: 60 ft.; Area: Quarter-circle emanating from you to the extreme of the range; Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute/level (D); Saving Throw: None; Spell Resistance: No
The caster can detect magical auras. The amount of information revealed depends on how long the caster studies a particular area or subject.
1st Round: Presence or absence of magical auras.
2nd Round: Number of different magical auras and the strength of the strongest aura.
3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura.
Magical areas, multiple types of magic, or strong local magical emanations may confuse or conceal weaker auras.
Aura Strength: An aura’s magical power and strength depend on a spell’s functioning spell level or an item’s caster level.
| Functioning Spell Level | Item Caster Level | Aura Power |
|---|---|---|
| 0-level or lingering aura | Lingering aura | Dim |
| 1st–2nd | 1st–3rd | Faint |
| 3rd | 4th–5th | Moderate |
| 4th | 6th–7th | Strong |
| 5th | 8th–10th | Overwhelming |
If an aura falls into more than one category, detect magical aura indicates the stronger of the two.
**Length Aura Lingers:**How long a magical aura lingers after the source has vacated the location depends on the aura’s original strength.
| Original Strength | Duration |
|---|---|
| Faint | 1d6 minutes |
| Moderate | 1d6 x 10 minutes |
| Strong | 1d6 hours |
| Overwhelming | 1d6 days |
Each round, the caster can turn to detect things in a new area. The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.