Spell Reference All Spells

Detect Thoughts

2nd-level · Divination Concentration

Source Adventurer's Guide

Casting Time
Action
Range
30 feet
Duration
1 Minute
Components
V, S, M
Source Information
Combat Reference
Saving Throw
Wisdom
Target
1 creature
Description

On the round you cast it, and as an action on subsequent turns until the spell ends, you can probe a creature's mind to read its thoughts by focusing on one creature you can see within range. The creature makes a Wisdom saving throw. Creatures with an Intelligence score of 3 or less or that don't speak any languages are unaffected. On a failed save, you learn the creature's surface thoughts —what is most on its mind in that moment. On a successful save, you fail to read the creature's thoughts and can't attempt to probe its mind for the duration. Conversation naturally shapes the course of a creature's thoughts and what it is thinking about may change based on questions verbally directed at it.

Once you have read a creature's surface thoughts, you can use an action to probe deeper into its mind. The creature makes a second Wisdom saving throw. On a successful save, you fail to read the creature's deeper thoughts and the spell ends. On a failure, you gain insight into the creature's motivations, emotional state, and something that looms large in its mind.

The creature then becomes aware you are probing its mind and can use an action to make an Intelligence check contested by your Intelligence check, ending the spell if it succeeds.

Additionally, you can use an action to scan for thinking creatures within range that you can't see.

Once you detect the presence of a thinking creature, so long as it remains within range you can attempt to read its thoughts as described above (even if you can't see it).

The spell penetrates most barriers but is blocked by 2 feet of stone, 2 inches of common metal, or a thin sheet of lead.

At Higher Levels

When using a 5th-level spell slot, increase the spell's range to 1 mile. When using a 7th-level spell slot, increase the range to 10 miles.

When using a 9th-level spell slot, increase the range to 1, 000 miles.

About Detect Thoughts

Detect Thoughts is a Level 2 level spell from the school of Divination.

This spell has a casting time of action , and a range of 30.0 ft (9.1 m) . It has a duration of Instantaneous.

Spell Details

Complete details

Complete details about this spell:

  • At Higher Levels: When using a 5th-level spell slot, increase the spell's range to 1 mile.

Casting Tips

2 tips

Consider these tips when casting this spell:

  • Tactical Use: Ideal for low-level encounters and utility situations. Consider environmental interactions for creative problem-solving.
  • Concentration: Requires concentration. Maintain focus to sustain the spell's effect.

School of Magic: Divination

Learn more

Divination spells reveal hidden information, predict the future, or detect truths.

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