My players have just got Discern Location - What do I do?

[Thanee]

Well, what's wrong with knowing where to go, once you know what to look for?

If you don't want them to be able to just cast the spell and then find their path into that location, just make the what they are looking for part the secret. Once they found out, what they are looking for, they can use the spell to learn about its location, and then use other means to get there.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Pbartender]

It's kind of been said already, but let me emphasize this...

"To find a creature with the spell, you must have seen the creature or have some item that once belonged to it. To find an object, you must have touched it at least once."

Remember, they essentially have to find the BBEG, or the Mystical Artifact, or the Fizbin of Misfortune or what ever at least once in some mundane way, before they effectively use this spell. If they've never encountered the object or person, they cannot use discern location.

So find ways to make it more difficult to meet the enemy. Make it more difficult to get a hold of the objects he may carry.

If they've already touched the Fizbin of Misfortune, chances are the players don't need to discern location it, since it is undoubtedly in their direct possession... Unless the BBEG has stolen it back from them. In that case, the BBEG, knowing that the PCs can use the spell, can simply use it as bait to lure the PCs into a trap.

Remember, the spell tells you exactly where someone or something is, but it doesn't tell you what else is there.