Detect evil as a spell-like ability--no visual indications?

[ForceUser]

This is one I go back and forth about. Per RAW, if detect evil is used as a spell-like ability, there is no indication that a character is using it other than a focused concentration on a particular area. Correct? If so, how does one rationalize allowing a Spellcraft check to discern whether a detect evil spell-like ability is being used? Is it even possible to use Spellcraft to identify spell-like abilities without visual indicators?

 

[Whimsical]

Well, since using a spell-like ability is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity, there would be a noticable effect of the one using the spell-like ability, such that anyone would notice that the [caster?] is no longer aware of their surroundings for a moment. A moment that can be taken advantage of by those threatening them.

Other than that? Dunno.

 

[Sejs]

This is one I go back and forth about. Per RAW, if detect evil is used as a spell-like ability, there is no indication that a character is using it other than a focused concentration on a particular area. Correct? If so, how does one rationalize allowing a Spellcraft check to discern whether a detect evil spell-like ability is being used? Is it even possible to use Spellcraft to identify spell-like abilities without visual indicators?

You can identify that they're casting -something-, but without any components to witness you can't make a spellcraft check to identify exactly what the spell is.


So the paladin (or whomever is doing it) doesn't actually have any obvious cues other than the fact that they're giving someone or somewhere the stare. They're concentrating awfully hard on something to the exclusion of pretty much everything else.

 

[domino]

Of course, anyone who knows much about paladins should be able to guess...

 

[Sejs]

Of course, anyone who knows much about paladins should be able to guess...

Yeah, but it's one of those things were you're kinda damned if you do, damned if you don't. Either the paladin gives you the stare and finds out you're evil, or you get antsy about it and infer the fact.

Or of course it doesn't help if the paladin's incognito. Heck, dress up as a blind man with some bandages over your eyes and you're set. Darn sneaky paladins.

 

[Stalker0]

Technically, detect evil as a SLA has no components, and so cannot be identified by spellcraft.

Since it has no visual effects that a spellcaster could identify, there is NO way to determine he is casting it by spellcraft.

Now there are visual clues like the staring, but other than that you can't do it.

 

[Scharlata]

[...]Since it has no visual effects that a spellcaster could identify, there is NO way to determine he is casting it by spellcraft.[...]

But you can interrupt it by making an AoO... (even if you don't know what tha paladin is "spell-likeabiliting")

 

[shilsen]

So the paladin (or whomever is doing it) doesn't actually have any obvious cues other than the fact that they're giving someone or somewhere the stare. They're concentrating awfully hard on something to the exclusion of pretty much everything else.

Actually concentrating on a spell isn't that hard. While the act of casting a spell (or using a spell-like ability) does draw an AoO, after it's activated then concentrating on it doesn't draw AoOs or lower your defenses in any way. A wizard who has cast a detect magic and then entered combat can use a standard action each rd to concentrate and won't draw an AoO for doing so. And while concentrating on a spell, in the same round you can load a crossbow or mount/dismount or ready/loose a shield, etc.

 

[dhaga]

Is it even possible to use Spellcraft to identify spell-like abilities without visual indicators?

My vote would be "no". Though as a spell-like ability it is interruptable by an AoO (as noted), it has no V, S, or M components that would identify it as the spell being used / activated.