Can You Use Detect Magic on Invisibility? Unveiling the Mystical Truth
The short answer is no, Detect Magic does not directly reveal an invisible creature itself. Detect Magic detects the presence of magic within range, including magical effects like the Invisibility spell. However, it doesn’t pinpoint the invisible creature or even automatically tell you the precise nature of the magical effect. You’ll know magic is there, but you’ll need to investigate further to determine if it’s Invisibility or something else entirely.
Think of it like a smoke detector – it tells you there’s smoke, but not what’s burning or where the fire is.
Unpacking Detect Magic and Invisibility: A Deeper Dive
Detect Magic is a 1st-level divination spell that allows you to sense the presence of magic within a 30-foot radius. If magic is present, the spell reveals its school of magic (Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, etc.). The key is that it detects ongoing magical effects or magically imbued objects, not necessarily the source of the magic, especially if that source is a creature.
Invisibility, on the other hand, is a spell that renders a creature unseen. The creature is heavily obscured, making it difficult to target or even know its exact location. But the Invisibility spell itself is a magical effect.
So, while Detect Magic won’t shout, “Invisible rogue right there!”, it will alert you to the presence of a magical effect that could potentially be Invisibility. This is a crucial first step.
The advantage of Detect Magic is its versatility. It can penetrate most barriers, allowing you to check for magical wards, enchantments, or other spells. However, it’s blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt. This limitation affects its ability to detect magic hidden behind thick defenses.
Beyond Detect Magic: Methods for Unveiling the Unseen
If Detect Magic only gives you a hint, how do you find invisible creatures? Several options exist:
- See Invisibility: This 2nd-level spell directly allows you to see invisible creatures and objects within range. It’s a much more direct solution than Detect Magic.
- Special Senses: Some creatures possess special senses like Blindsight or Truesight, which allow them to perceive things beyond normal sight. Blindsight enables you to see anything that isn’t behind total cover, regardless of invisibility, while Truesight allows you to see through illusions and see invisible creatures as if they were visible.
- Observation and Deduction: Remember that invisible creatures aren’t silent. Listen for sounds they make, look for tracks they leave behind, or notice disturbances in the environment.
- Dispelling Magic: Spells like Dispel Magic or Counterspell can directly target and end the Invisibility spell, revealing the creature. Note that Greater Invisibility may be harder to counterspell.
- Attacking or Forcing Interaction: The Invisibility spell typically ends if the creature attacks or casts a spell. Provoke them into action!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Detect Magic and Invisibility
1. Does Detect Magic reveal the school of magic of an Invisibility spell?
Yes, if Detect Magic detects the Invisibility spell, it will reveal that the magical effect is from the Illusion school of magic.
2. If I Detect Magic and sense magic, does that automatically mean someone is invisible?
No. It only means there is a magical effect within range. The effect could be anything from an enchanted sword to a magical trap. Further investigation is required.
3. Can Detect Magic see through walls to detect an invisible creature on the other side?
Detect Magic can penetrate most barriers, but it is blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt. If the wall is thicker or made of these materials, the spell will not detect magic on the other side.
4. Can I use Identify on a person to determine if they are under the effect of Invisibility?
Identify is primarily used to learn about a magical item. While the text mentions you can cast Identify on a PERSON, it’s unlikely to reveal an Invisibility effect. The Identify spell is not designed to reveal magical conditions affecting a creature.
5. If I cast Detect Magic, will I immediately know exactly where the invisible creature is?
No. Detect Magic provides a general sense of the presence of magic within 30 feet. It doesn’t pinpoint the exact location. You would still need to search the area carefully to find the source.
6. Can I counterspell an Invisibility spell that I detected with Detect Magic?
Yes, you can counterspell someone who is invisible. Invisibility drops when you cast a spell which would reveal the caster and therefore be able to counterspelled. Greater invis would be the one you could not counterspell.
7. Does Antimagic Field prevent Detect Magic from working?
Yes, while Detect Magic would sense a Moderate or Strong Abjuration aura when looking at the Antimagic Field(AMF), it cannot detect anything within the field itself. The AMF suppresses magical effects.
8. Can Detect Magic detect a creature hiding using Stealth while also under the effects of Invisibility?
Detect Magic will detect the Invisibility spell, but it won’t reveal the creature’s location any better than the Invisibility spell already conceals it. The Stealth check determines how well the creature is hidden.
9. If an invisible creature attacks, does the Invisibility spell automatically end?
Yes, the Invisibility spell ends for a target that attacks or casts a spell. This is a key weakness to exploit.
10. Can Blindsight automatically detect a creature under the effect of Invisibility?
Yes, blindsight can see any opponent that is invisible. With Blindsight, you effectively “see” without relying on sight, similar to how a dolphin or bat can see with sonar.
11. Can I target an invisible creature with a spell even if I can’t see them?
Many spells require you to be able to see your target, so those spells cannot target invisible creatures (and some friendly spells also sometimes require the spellcaster to see their targets OR the creatures not to be targeted by unpleasant effects) which also changes the dynamic substantially for invisible.
12. Does Detect Magic work on vampires?
No, because there is no active magic present in the Vampire. Same goes for detecting undead like Skeletons and Zombies. Even though they were created by the Animate Dead spell, the spell has an Instant duration.
13. Does healing break invisibility?
Healing light is an ability, not a spell. You could also use a healers kit and not break invis FYI. It won’t break the spell, but keep in mind Invisibility is not foolproof unless you hide creatures will still know what square your character is in and still be able to attack them albeit with disadvantage.
14. Does invisibility negate opportunity attacks?
Opportunity attacks are triggered by a creature you can see leaving your reach. A creature who is invisible can’t be seen so they don’t trigger opportunity attacks.
15. Can Detect Magic see scrying?
Yes, the Scrying sensor can be sensed with Detect Magic. The spell creates an invisible sensor within 10ft of the target.
Conclusion: Detect Magic as a Tool in the Invisible Arsenal
Detect Magic is a valuable tool for identifying the presence of magical effects, including Invisibility. However, it’s not a foolproof solution for pinpointing invisible creatures. Combining Detect Magic with other methods, such as See Invisibility, observation, and tactical maneuvers, will significantly increase your chances of unveiling the unseen. Remember to think strategically and use all the tools at your disposal.
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