Detect Scrying (stay out Rassilon)

[Ruavel]

does detect scrying also detect scrying on another creature within the 40ft emanation of the spell...?

opinions, anyone...?

 

[Infiniti2000]

I say no. The first sentence, "You immediately become aware of any attempt to observe you by means of a divination (scrying) spell or effect." clearly denotes you, meaning the caster. The third sentence, "You know the location of every magical sensor within the spell’s area." is not so limited, but since it's in the same paragraph, I'd think it would be taking it out of context to allow it for a sensor not focused on you.

If you want to allow it, though, then merely insert a new paragraph before the third sentence.

 

[Ruavel]

that was my thought...

the awareness of all sensors in the area is the main sticking point I have with it...

 

[Jack Simth]

Hmm... you're aware of any attempt to scry on you, but no mention is made in that sentence as to if it works, so... if you've got both Mind Blank and Detect Scrying up, you know somebody tried (and failed) to invade your privacy. Additionally, you're aware of any magic sensors within 40 feet (someone who knows this might finangle a way around the limitation ... Prying Eyes that don't come within 50 feet of you, say....).

Magical intel, counter-intel, and counter-counter-intel could get rather.... interesting, no?

 

[Ruavel]

Magical intel, counter-intel, and counter-counter-intel could get rather.... interesting, no?

it is when the characters are running around a city brimming with wizards and with a background that suggests that getting caught will be all kinds of bad...

 

[Jack Simth]

it is when the characters are running around a city brimming with wizards and with a background that suggests that getting caught will be all kinds of bad...

Yep. And then, while the dedicated spellcasters are all busy working out how to get a better defense against scrying/beat or bypass the defenses, a charming Bard comes along and makes a totally mundane (well... except for the Cloak of Charisma +6....) Gather Information check..... ([edit])with all the synergies... max skill ranks.... and two feats... then takes 10....

Let's see... Scrying is, what, Sor/Wiz 4? 9th level Bard, 12 ranks, +2 Knoweledge(Local) Synergy, +2 Investigator, +3 Skill Focus, +2 Knoweledge(Local), +2 Half Elf = +23; taking 10 beats DC 33. And he's got enough skill points left over for a little Diplomacy monkeying as well....

 

[Ruavel]

a charming Bard comes along and makes a totally mundane Gather Information check...

sshhhhh... that bit's a secret...

 

[Jack Simth]

sshhhhh... that bit's a secret...

I made my Gather Information roll... the only defense against a Gather Information check is convincing your DM it'd be really, really hard to do for the stuff you are trying to keep hidden (well, that and various methods to track down those who are trying GI checks against you....)

Also, I now have a slight hint as to the strength of your observational skills.

 

[Ruavel]

I kinda work on the idea that on a good GI check you can either get awesome information, or good information but far less noticably... I get the player to tell me which they're trying before they roll...

 

[Bad Paper]

The first sentence, "You immediately become aware of any attempt to observe you by means of a divination (scrying) spell or effect." clearly denotes you, meaning the caster.

I disagree. If you are standing a few feet away from someone who is being scryed upon, you too will be observed by that particular divination. You will be alerted.