Detect Magic and Illusion Spells

[Obryn]

Let's say I have a hardcore permanent illusion spell going to obscure a hidden alcove in a dungeon or a pit trap or something.

What happens if a wizard casts detect magic and looks at it?

Will it (1) Radiate magic, which the wizard can identify pretty easily as Illusion, thereby making it not worth my while to have bothered?
(2) Not radiate any magic, since it's a damn illusion after all, and it will screw with spell detection as easily as it will with vision,
or (3) Allow a (probably pretty easy) Will save to disbelieve, since this is "interaction" in some form?

Just curious.

-O

 

[moritheil]

Let's say I have a hardcore permanent illusion spell going to obscure a hidden alcove in a dungeon or a pit trap or something.

What happens if a wizard casts detect magic and looks at it?

Will it (1) Radiate magic, which the wizard can identify pretty easily as Illusion, thereby making it not worth my while to have bothered?
(2) Not radiate any magic, since it's a damn illusion after all, and it will screw with spell detection as easily as it will with vision,
or (3) Allow a (probably pretty easy) Will save to disbelieve, since this is "interaction" in some form?

Just curious.

-O

RAW I'd say #1, without checking any books. The wizard knows that there is magic from the school of illusion in the area of the detect magic cone. #3 also seems like a valid interpretation.

This question is also fun to ask in reverse: if you have a bridge over a chasm that is actually a solid illusion, will everyone who fails their saves walk safely across, while the Wizard had better hope he memorized feather fall?

 

[Obryn]

Thanks!

I'm going to agree that (1) is almost definitely RAW. Heck, that's how I've played it in the past. On reflection, though, I just don't like the way it neuters illusion magic, you know?

I think I'll probably go with (3) for the time being, as I know very well that this is going to come up in game tonight, and I don't necessarily want the arbitrariness of (2).

-O

 

[moritheil]

Thanks!

I'm going to agree that (1) is almost definitely RAW. Heck, that's how I've played it in the past. On reflection, though, I just don't like the way it neuters illusion magic, you know?

I think I'll probably go with (3) for the time being, as I know very well that this is going to come up in game tonight, and I don't necessarily want the arbitrariness of (2).

-O

IME what neuters illusion magic isn't detect magic (which takes a few rounds, after all, and isn't so hot in combat) but rather high Spellcraft checks when the caster is present ("Hmm, he just cast an illusion spell. I have probable cause to believe that this wall/creature/effect that just appeared is an illusion . . . ")

(2) would seem far too powerful for all but high-level illusions.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

#2 would make a great basis for a series of higher-level illusions.

 

[Vegepygmy]

What happens if a wizard casts detect magic and looks at it?

It's #1, and I don't see why it's any problem. A wizard who has the foresight to cast detect magic in this situation should reap the reward of identifying the thing as an illusion, IMO.

 

[Destil]

Nystils Magical Aura is your solution.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Nystils Magical Aura is your solution.

Not necessarily.

Nystul's Magic Aura
Illusion (Glamer)

Level: Brd 1, Magic 1, Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: One touched object weighing up to 5 lb./level
Duration: One day/level (D)
Saving Throw: None; see text
Spell Resistance: No

You alter an item’s aura so that it registers to detect spells (and spells with similar capabilities) as though it were nonmagical, or a magic item of a kind you specify, or the subject of a spell you specify.

If the object bearing magic aura has identify cast on it or is similarly examined, the examiner recognizes that the aura is false and detects the object’s actual qualities if he succeeds on a Will save. Otherwise, he believes the aura and no amount of testing reveals what the true magic is.

If the targeted item’s own aura is exceptionally powerful (if it is an artifact, for instance), magic aura doesn’t work.

Note: A magic weapon, shield, or suit of armor must be a masterwork item, so a sword of average make, for example, looks suspicious if it has a magical aura.

Focus: A small square of silk that must be passed over the object that receives the aura.

If the illusion is a square of flooring covering the empty space of a pit trap, what object do you target with Magic Aura?

-Hyp.

 

[Jack Simth]

The solution is of course to plaster illusions everywhere.

It's the BBEG's lair. If the BBEG can cast Illusory Wall, the BBEG can cast it regularly. Layer illuson on every segment of wall, floor, and cieling, and put something you don't want to touch behind most of them (perhaps a very weak contact poison or acid, thorns, whatever - just so long as someone trailing their hand along the wall to find the illusory segments is going to regret it after a short while). Problem solved.

 

[Particle_Man]

It's #1, and I don't see why it's any problem. A wizard who has the foresight to cast detect magic in this situation should reap the reward of identifying the thing as an illusion, IMO.

What if the character is a 2nd level Warlock and can use Detect Magic at will, as often as she likes?