How to Cast a Scrying Spell: A Comprehensive Guide

Casting a scrying spell involves a carefully orchestrated process, combining arcane knowledge, the right components, and a focused will. The fundamental principle is establishing a magical link to a target creature, allowing you to observe them remotely. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Preparation:

   • Target Selection: Choose a specific creature as your target. The spell requires you to know something about the target; complete strangers are typically impossible to scry upon. The better you know the target and the stronger your connection (possessing a piece of their clothing, for instance) the easier it is to succeed.
   • Component Gathering: Acquire the necessary material components. This includes a focus worth at least 1,000 gp, such as a crystal ball, a silver mirror, or a font filled with holy water. These foci aren’t merely props; they are conduits for your magical energy. Verbal and somatic components are also necessary.
   • Spell Slot & Level: Ensure you have a spell slot of the appropriate level available. Scrying is typically a 5th-level spell.
   • Safe and Quiet Location: Find a quite location where you will not be disturbed and which is clear of distractions.

2. Casting the Spell:

   • The Ritual: Begin the casting process, which takes 10 minutes. During this time, you must concentrate and perform the required verbal and somatic components. The specifics of these components can vary depending on the magical tradition.
   • Focus Engagement: During the casting, you must be touching your focus. The focus acts as a conduit, channeling your magical energy towards the target.
   • Visualization: Visualize your target. Imagine their face, their surroundings, and any distinguishing features. The clearer your mental image, the stronger the connection.

3. Establishing the Connection:

   • The Saving Throw: Once the casting time is complete, the target makes a Wisdom saving throw. The Difficulty Class (DC) of the save is determined by your spellcasting ability.
   • Saving Throw Modifiers: The difficulty of the saving throw is modified based on your relationship with the target. Close friends, relatives, or those you possess a physical connection to are more difficult to scry upon than casual acquaintances.
   • Success or Failure: If the target succeeds on the saving throw, the spell fails, and you gain no information. If they fail, you establish a magical sensor near them.

4. Scrying:

   • Sensory Input: You can see and hear through the sensor as if you were there. The sensor typically remains within 10 feet of the target, moving with them.
   • Duration: You can scry for up to 10 minutes, maintaining concentration on the spell. Losing concentration ends the scrying session.
   • Observation: Observe the target and their surroundings. Gather information, look for clues, and analyze their behavior.

5. Breaking the Connection:

   • Voluntary Termination: You can end the scrying session at any time by ceasing your concentration.
   • Automatic Termination: The spell automatically ends after 10 minutes, or if you lose concentration.

Casting a scrying spell is a delicate and demanding process. Success requires careful preparation, a strong will, and a touch of luck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scrying

General Scrying Questions

Can you cast a spell through scrying?

Older versions of the scrying spell sometimes allowed for the casting of other spells through the sensory link, affecting the observed location. However, in modern interpretations, this is generally not the case. The scrying spell primarily provides sensory information, and you cannot typically directly interact with the environment or cast spells through it.

What magic item lets you scry?

Several magic items facilitate scrying. The most common is a crystal ball, typically a Very Rare item. Legendary crystal ball variants exist with enhanced properties. Other potential foci include silver mirrors and fonts filled with holy water, though these don’t inherently grant the ability to scry; they merely act as components for the spell. The scrying eye is another example that only allows you to cast scrying once per day.

How do you see scrying?

The scrying sensor is typically invisible. However, it can be detected with magic. A creature that can see invisible objects perceives the sensor as a luminous orb within 10ft of the target. A Spellcraft check (DC 20) is required to spot the sensor. Using the detect magic spell will also reveal the presence of a scrying sensor.

Can you detect magic scrying?

Yes, you can detect magic scrying. Spells like detect magic can reveal the presence of the scrying sensor. Moreover, specific spells like detect scrying exist, which are designed to uncover scrying attempts. If successful, or at least equal, the caster of detect scrying might receive a vision of the scrier and an accurate understanding of their distance and direction

Can other people see scrying?

While the rules don’t explicitly allow others to see your scrying results, it’s reasonable to assume they can if you’re actively focusing your magic through a physical focus. The interpretation often depends on the game master and the specific circumstances. Generally, sharing the scrying visuals would require some form of additional spell or ability.

Scrying Targets

What can you see with scrying?

You can see and hear a particular creature you choose that is on the same plane of existence as you. The spell creates an invisible sensor within 10ft of the target. You can see and hear through the sensor as if you were there. The sensor moves with the target, remaining within 10 feet of it for the duration.

Can you scry on someone you don’t know?

Scrying requires at least some knowledge of the target. The knowledge table within the spell description outlines how the target’s familiarity affects the saving throw. There’s no entry for no knowledge, implying that the spell will not function if you have absolutely no information about the target.

Defenses Against Scrying

What is the spell scrying protection?

Spells like Nondetection and items that grant similar effects provide protection from scrying attempts. These effects prevent divination spells, including scrying, from locating, detecting, or studying the protected creature. Clairaudience, clairvoyance, ESP, empathy, telepathy, crystal balls, a magic mirror, and the like will not succeed in locating, detecting, or studying the protected creature.

How do you counter scrying?

If aware of a scrying sensor, spellcasters can attempt to counterspell the scrying spell, even without seeing the caster. The protection from scrying usually comes from using abjuration magic or powerful artifacts.

Components and Equipment

What is the item of scrying?

The crystal ball is the quintessential item of scrying. However, other items, such as scrying mirrors, can also be used. A scrying eye is a glass sphere roughly the size of a fist, and it is filled with a cloudy liquid that swirls when the orb is shaken. It can only be used to cast Scrying once per day, and then cannot be used again until the next dawn. The base DC of the spell using the orb is 15.

What is a black obsidian scrying mirror?

Black obsidian is believed to have protective properties. Black Obsidian Scrying Mirrors are a truly magical tool for divination and scrying. The black obsidian protects against psychic attack during your scrying adventures, and will keep your space safe and clear from negative energies as it sits on your altar.

Spell Mechanics

How long does scry last?

Once the spell takes effect, you can scry for up to 10 minutes, provided you maintain concentration.

How much does scrying spell cost?

The material component of the scrying spell, a focus (crystal ball, silver mirror, etc.), is the main expense, costing at least 1,000 gp. The spell itself doesn’t have a gold piece cost associated with casting beyond this focus.

Divination Magic

What is a divination spell?

The divination school of magic encompasses spells that allow casters to learn secrets, interpret dreams, predict the future, find hidden things, or foil deception. Examples include detect magic and scrying.

What is the scry rule in magic (referring to Magic: The Gathering)?

In the context of Magic: The Gathering, scry allows you to look at a certain number of cards from the top of your library and then put them on the top or bottom of your library in any order. If a spell has scry 2, you look at the top two cards of your library and then decide where you want to put them. You can put both cards on either the top or bottom of your library in any order, or you can put one card on the top and one on the bottom.

We hope you found this guide helpful! For more insights into the world of gaming and its educational potential, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.