Wiz/Sor's familiar under Detect Magic

[Quasqueton]

Does a mage's familiar have an aura when viewed with detect magic?

Quasqueton

 

[Darklone]

Magical beasts have auras? I think neither. A wizard by himself has no aura either.

 

[MerakSpielman]

What about while the familiar and the wizrards are communicating telepathically? That should show up.

 

[melkoriii]

I would say no as its not a spell or really magic. Its part of a class ability.

 

[Darklone]

Are these abilities defined as Ex or Sup?

 

[jgsugden]

There must be an active magical effect in place to pick up something with detect magic. A familiar by itself, AFAIK, does not generate an aura.

The rules are a tad unclear, though. Supernatural abilities, spell-like abilities and spells are all magical. There is no rule (that I can find) that states that all three of these things generate magical auras, but I'd rule it that way.

As a result, I'd say that a familiar that has an active empathic link, a familiar that is holding a touch spell or a familiar that is being scryed by his master would show up. A familiar under the effect of a spell would also show up. Beyond that, I'd say no.

 

[Gez]

Just for flavor, I'd say yes. But game mechanic reasons would tend toward no.