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Message: <blockquote data-quote="N'raac" data-source="post: 6227811" data-attributes="member: 6681948">It certainly returns us to the initial discussion. The 1st level spell requires concentration, has a 60' range and lasts one minute per level (maximum).  It takes two rounds to locate the secret door.  Unlike the elf, however, it's infallible, and can determine the opening mechanism.  So, you can only move at half speed (concentration to maintain a spell being a standard action), your concentration can be disrupted, you can cast no other spells without losing concentration, and you get a few minutes for each spell you use.Spells are a limited resource.  The Elf's ability works all day, does not slow him to half speed and does not otherwise restrict his activity.  The spellcaster either needs a god idea where that secret door is, or needs lots of time to keep exploring and re-memorizing the spell (and whatever slots he uses for the spell are unavailable for other uses).  The spell and the elf's ability are different, certainly, but the spell does not render the elf's ability worthless.  Personally, I'd much rather let the elf locate secret doors and I'll preserve my more limited magical resources for other uses.</blockquote>