Arcana check vs Invis

[Nakaz]

could a character actually do a Arcana check to sense the magical aura of an invisible character in order to locate him?

if not, can u do it if that invisible character has one or more magical item ?

thx

 

[Oompa]

RAW.. No..

But if it is a magical effect that makes you invisible i could rule you could make a arcana check..

If the character would have a magical item.. it would be possible, as long if the target stay's into the range for 1 minut..

 

[N0Man]

could a character actually do a Arcana check to sense the magical aura of an invisible character in order to locate him?

if not, can u do it if that invisible character has one or more magical item ?

thx

If it's a magical effect, absolutely, you can do this. This is legal even in RAW, contrary to the first response. However, since it's a power, and you can't actually see it, this would fall under "Sense the presence of magic".

This means you can discern the direction (but not distance), and it will take you 1 minute to accomplish this act. However, it's completely within RAW.

 

[lukelightning]

In my experience, detecting invisible with arcana (or the old detect magic method in 3e) worked a lot faster.

Mage: detect...detect...detect...
Invisible baddie: sneak attack!

 

[DracoSuave]

could a character actually do a Arcana check to sense the magical aura of an invisible character in order to locate him?

if not, can u do it if that invisible character has one or more magical item ?

thx

If the invisible character has not made a Stealth check against your Passive Perception, then while he is unseen, he is not hidden and you know where he is. You can either hear him, or perceive him through other means. (p 223, PHB2)

If he -has- made his Stealth check, then you can take a minor action and roll Perception. If you beat the result of his Stealth check, you manage to find him. Otherwise, he is completely undetected.

Invisibility, however, does make sure the individual is out of Line of Sight, so he's able to make those Stealth checks more-or-less at-will. (Tho, do not forget the -5 penalty if he moves more than 2 squares)