Noticing the sensor of a scrying spell

[Teemu]

Take a look at this:

Scrying

A scrying spell creates an invisible magical sensor that sends you information. Unless noted otherwise, the sensor has the same powers of sensory acuity that you possess. This level of acuity includes any spells or effects that target you, but not spells or effects that emanate from you. However, the sensor is treated as a separate, independent sensory organ of yours, and thus it functions normally even if you have been blinded, deafened, or otherwise suffered sensory impairment.

Any creature with an Intelligence score of 12 or higher can notice the sensor by making a DC 20 Intelligence check. The sensor can be dispelled as if it were an active spell.

What exactly happens when a 'creature with an Intelligence score of 12 or higher' notices the sensor with a DC 20 Int check? How do they notice it? Do they see something? Wouldn't that be a Wis (or Spot) check? Do they 'sense' something? How do you explain that 'Int 12 or higher'?

 

[reveal]

Take a look at this: What exactly happens when a 'creature with an Intelligence score of 12 or higher' notices the sensor with a DC 20 Int check? How do they notice it? Do they see something? Wouldn't that be a Wis (or Spot) check? Do they 'sense' something? How do you explain that 'Int 12 or higher'?

PC1: Do you feel that? (makes INT check)

PC2: No. What's up? (didn't make INT check)

PC1: I don't know; it feels like someone's watching us.

PC2: Huh. Maybe we're being scryed on. Let me cast see invisibility real quick and look around.

PC2: *casts* Yup, there it is in the corner. Let me get rid of it.

PC2: *casts Dispel Magic and makes his check* There ya go. Feel better now?

PC1: Yes and no.

 

[Teemu]

I just feel it's strange to base it on Intelligence (and a min of 12 required) if it's all about 'feeling' and 'sensing', since those are Wisdom-based sensations.

 

[reveal]

I just feel it's strange to base it on Intelligence (and a min of 12 required) if it's all about 'feeling' and 'sensing', since those are Wisdom-based sensations.

Probably because it's more along the lines of Knowledge (arcana)? :shrug:

I really don't know. I can see it going either way.

 

[shilsen]

In my game, if someone makes the check, he can actually see the sensor. That's how I interpret "notice".

 

[cmanos]

I think I would have them spot something that looks like the mrage on a hot road...the wavering in the air.

 

[Bryon_Soulweaver]

I think it would be like having someone be in your body but isnt, as if they were you but didnt have control of you, you feel something is watching you but dont know who it is. If you fail the check, you shrug and continue as if it was nothing. If you make the check, its vise versa for a split second then the spell ends. That how I would understand it.

 

[Ambrus]

I usually describe it as a weird sense of deja vu. The players have come to recognize it as a scrying attempt.

 

[Teemu]

All of these suggestions sound fine. Now I just have to figure out why it's an Int check instead of a Wis check.

 

[NimrodvanHall]

I usually describe it as a weird sense of deja vu. The players have come to recognize it as a scrying attempt.

The reason mght be that its entire nonlogical, but than again that does not explain that scry is also a divine spell