Detect Living (P&P)

Detect Living (Divination, Necromancy)

Sphere: Divination, Necromantic)

Range: 0

Components: V, S

Duration: 1 round/level

Casting Time: 4

Area of Effect: 60' radius sphere, centered on caster

Saving Throw: None

This spell discovers emanations of life, making all living things within the area of effect glow with an easily discernible aura visible only to the caster. Intelligence is the main quality upon which the spell focuses, because more intelligent creatures glow more brightly. The spell does not allow mental contact and does not detect magically or psionically shielded creatures or the wills of "not present" scryers such as wizards using wizard eyes or crystal balls. Being hidden in extra-dimensional space are considered "not present". This spell can detect life that is invisible, concealed, disguised (even trapped within solid objects or magical forms), astral, or ethereal, but does not reveal the state of the life. This spell gives no hint of the nature, thoughts or inclination (in other words, hostile, or friendly) of the life detected.

This spell was developed by Scriveners of Doom who understood that mortals often flee from eternal rest, too blinded by fear and ignorance to realize that a priest is trying to help them. The spell also serves as a defense against living adversaries who might try to ambush the spellcaster.

Source: Boyd, E. L. (1997). Powers & Pantheons. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, Inc.