Unveiling the Arcane: Can Detect Magic See Fey?
As a seasoned adventurer and lore master, I’ve been asked countless times about the intricacies of magic and its interactions with the myriad creatures that populate our fantastical worlds. One question, in particular, surfaces repeatedly: Can detect magic see Fey?
The straightforward answer is: No, detect magic cannot inherently “see” Fey creatures. The presence of a Fey creature isn’t automatically flagged by detect magic.
However, as with most things magical, the full story is far more nuanced. It depends on the specific circumstances. Fey are inherently magical beings, but detect magic only registers active magical effects, spells, and items. A Fey creature existing in its natural state, without actively casting a spell or wielding a magical item, will not trigger detect magic. So no inherent Fey-ness is directly detectable by detect magic.
The key is whether the Fey is actively using magic. If a Fey is under the effect of a spell (perhaps a haste spell cast by a friendly wizard), wielding a magical weapon, or actively using a spell-like ability, then detect magic will register the presence of magic on or around the creature. Detect magic reveals the aura of magic, but doesn’t label it “Fey.”
To further clarify, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions about how detect magic interacts with the Fey and other magical entities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Detect Magic and the Fey
1. If a Fey is concentrating on a spell, will detect magic detect it?
Yes, absolutely. If a Fey is actively concentrating on a spell, detect magic will detect the presence of magic emanating from the creature. The spell’s school of magic will also be revealed, providing valuable information about the nature of the spell being cast.
2. What if a Fey is using a spell-like ability?
This is where it gets interesting. Spell-like abilities are considered magical effects. As such, detect magic will detect the use of a spell-like ability, just like a spell being cast. The duration is a factor here. An instantaneous spell-like ability will trigger only briefly, while a longer duration will be detectable until the spell ends.
3. Can detect magic reveal a Fey disguised using disguise self?
If the Fey uses disguise self, which is an illusion spell, then yes, detect magic will reveal the illusion magic and thus indicate that the apparent appearance is not what it seems. The aura around the disguised Fey will scream “illusion!”
4. Would detect magic reveal a Fey’s true form if it’s polymorphed into an animal?
Again, the key is the active magic. If the polymorph effect is magical, detect magic will sense the magic altering the form. It won’t reveal the true form is Fey, but it will show that the polymorphed form is under the effect of transmutation magic.
5. If a Fey possesses a magical item, will detect magic detect the Fey?
Not directly. Detect magic will detect the magical item. You will see the aura of magic emanating from the item, thus indicating that the item is indeed magical and revealing its school of magic. The item’s aura would not be able to tell you if the wielder is Fey or not.
6. Can detect magic penetrate a Feywild crossing to detect magic on the other side?
This is more complex. Generally, planar boundaries like those between the Material Plane and the Feywild hinder detect magic. The spell’s range extends only to the barrier. If the crossing is thin and weak, the DM might rule that a faint presence of exceptionally strong magic on the other side can be detected with a high enough spellcasting ability check.
7. Will detect magic reveal a trap set by a Fey using magic?
Yes, if the trap is magical. If a Fey sets a trap using a spell like glyph of warding, detect magic will detect the glyph’s magical aura. Mundane traps, however, remain invisible to detect magic.
8. Does detect magic work on Feywild landscapes infused with magic?
It depends. The spell description states: “Detect Magic also will often detect special effects associated with locations with arcane themes in adventures, whether official or homebrew.” A location heavily imbued with Fey magic, creating unusual effects or distortions of reality, may register under detect magic, particularly if that magic is constantly active. However, a naturally beautiful Feywild glade would probably not register as magic unless something magical is actively happening there.
9. Can detect magic identify a Fey’s weakness, such as an aversion to iron?
No. Detect magic only reveals the presence and school of magic. It provides no information about a creature’s weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or other lore-based aspects. Knowledge of Fey weaknesses requires other skills like Nature, Arcana, or specific lore research.
10. If a Fey has innate spellcasting, will detect magic always detect them?
Not always. Innate spellcasting is only detectable if the Fey is actively using a spell or a spell-like ability. A Fey with innate spellcasting simply walking around won’t trigger detect magic.
11. Can detect magic see through a nondetection spell cast on a Fey?
No. The nondetection spell specifically blocks divination magic, including detect magic. The Fey would be invisible to the spell’s effects while under the protection of nondetection.
12. If a Fey creates an illusionary wall, will detect magic see through it?
Detect magic will not see through an illusion, but it will detect the magic of the illusion. It highlights the area affected by the illusion. It can show that an area has an illusion.
13. Will detect magic reveal if a creature has been charmed by a Fey?
Yes, if the charm effect is still active. Detect magic will sense the presence of enchantment magic on the charmed creature, revealing that they are under a magical influence.
14. What if a Fey is wearing an amulet of proof against detection and location?
The Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location specifically blocks divination magic, including detect magic. The Fey would be undetectable by detect magic as long as they are wearing the amulet.
15. Will detect magic detect a magical Fey artifact?
Yes. Artifacts always exude magical power. Any artifact has strong auras, and these auras are visible through detect magic.
In conclusion, while detect magic can’t inherently identify a creature as Fey, it’s a valuable tool for uncovering magical activity associated with them. Remember to consider the context, the creature’s actions, and any magical items or effects that might be in play. Knowledge is power, and understanding the nuances of detect magic can be the difference between success and failure in your adventures. For more insights into the application of game-based learning, be sure to visit Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.