Greetings, dear seekers of knowledge, as we venture deeper into the esoteric realm of divination magic. Today, we shall unveil the secrets of Scrying Spells, a category of magic that grants the caster the ability to peer beyond the mundane, to perceive distant places, beings, and events through the mystic art of scrying.
Scrying spells hold a unique place within the pantheon of divination, for they provide glimpses into hidden corners of the world, revealing secrets obscured by time and space. As we delve into the intricacies of these spells, you shall gain insight into their purpose, discover the spells that fall under this category, and learn how to employ them in your magical endeavors.
Scrying spells, my devoted students, encompass a variety of incantations that enable the caster to see or sense remote locations, beings, or occurrences. These spells serve as windows to the world, transcending physical barriers to grant access to information that would otherwise remain concealed.
Within the pages of your spellbook, you shall encounter the means to observe faraway lands, eavesdrop on conversations held in hushed tones, and even peer into the future. These mystical visions may manifest in a variety of forms, from crystal balls to enchanted mirrors or reflective pools. Now, let us embark on a journey through the annals of divination.
Detect Thoughts: 2nd-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a copper piece)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
Let us peel back the layers of thought, revealing the secrets hidden within a mind! As you cast this enchantment, you gain the power to delve into the thoughts of certain creatures.
For the span of its magic, you can focus your mind on a creature within 30 feet, learning what occupies their thoughts in that very moment. Be warned, though, for this spell cannot touch the minds of those with an Intelligence of 3 or lower, or those who speak not in tongues.
But there’s more to it. With a simple action, you can shift your attention to another creature’s thoughts or dig deeper into the same mind. Should you choose to probe further, the target must muster their will with a Wisdom saving throw. Fail, and you unlock a glimpse of their reasoning, emotions, and the burdens that weigh upon them. Succeed, and the spell’s thread is severed. Either way, your target will sense your intrusion and may challenge you with an Intelligence contest to end the spell.
This enchantment is a potent tool for interrogation, as questions can steer the flow of thoughts. And if the quarry hides beyond your sight, fear not, for you can extend your reach to detect thoughts within 30 feet, even through barriers. Beware, though, for thick rock, metal, or lead can shield thoughts from your grasp.
Once detected, their thoughts are an open book, even if their form remains hidden, as long as they linger within the spell’s range.
Clairvoyance: 3rd-level
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: 1 mile
Components: V, S, M (a focus worth at least 100 gp, either a jeweled horn for hearing or a glass eye for seeing)
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Picture this, my little wanderer: you close your eyes and murmur an enchantment. In that very moment, an invisible sentinel takes shape, finding its home in a place you hold dear, a spot you’ve laid your eyes upon in the past or one that hides away in the unknown, concealed behind a door, nestled around a bend, or within a peaceful grove.
This sentinel, it remains steadfast, unyielding to any harm or mischief, for the entire span of the spell’s magic. A guardian, you might say. Now, when you weave this spell, you must make a choice: shall it see for you or listen on your behalf? With your command, you can switch between these two senses, as easily as the sun and moon trade places in the sky.
But here’s the real charm, my dear: anyone blessed with the sight to behold this sentinel, whether through enchanted vision or innate wisdom, shall witness a radiant, ghostly orb, not larger than your clenched fist, dancing in the air.
Arcane Eye: 4th-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a bit of bat fur)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
With but a whispered verse and a flicker of your mind, you conjure forth a magical eye, hidden from plain sight, yet ever watchful. This eye, it floats in the air, unseen by all but you, and it becomes your window to the world.
Through this mystical gaze, you see as clearly as if your own eyes beheld the scene, with a view that stretches in every direction. The eye, it possesses both day and night vision, allowing you to pierce the veil of darkness for up to 30 feet.
But the true enchantment lies in your command. With naught but a thought, you can guide the eye to move, a phantom traveler that roams up to 30 feet in any direction. There are no boundaries to how far this eye may wander, but remember, it remains tethered to our realm, unable to traverse into other planes. A solid barrier might thwart its journey, yet an opening as small as a single inch yields passage.
Scrying: 5th-level
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a focus worth at least 1,000 gp, such as a crystal ball, a silver mirror, or a font filled with holy water)
Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Ah, dear reader, lend me your eye, for I shall spin a yarn of sight. With this spell, you gain the ability to observe a chosen creature as if you were standing right there beside it, watching and listening closely. But, like all tales, there are twists and turns.
First, you must select your subject, a creature sharing your plane of existence. Now, the outcome depends on your connection to this chosen one and their willingness to be seen. A test of wisdom ensues, where the target must resist your prying eyes and ears.
If they are aware of your enchantment, they can willingly fail this test, allowing you a glimpse into their world. But, should they resist, they remain untouched, and the spell’s magic can’t trouble them again for a day.
| Knowledge | Save Modifier |
|---|---|
| Secondhand (you have heard of the target) | +5 |
| Firsthand (you have met the target) | +0 |
| Familiar (you know the target well) | -5 |
| Connection | Save Modifier |
|---|---|
| Likeness or picture | -2 |
| Possession or garment | -4 |
| Body part, lock of hair, bit of nail, or the like | -10 |
Now, if the fates favor you and the target falters, an unseen watcher, a sensor, emerges within 10 feet of the subject. Through this mystical lens, you can witness their surroundings, both seeing and hearing all as if you stood beside them. This magical eye trails the creature, a silent companion, and those with the gift to see invisible things perceive it as a radiant orb, much like the size of your fist.
But wait, there’s more to this tale! Instead of a living subject, you can target a location you’ve glimpsed before. In this case, the sensor materializes at that very spot and remains still, a vigilant sentinel.
True Seeing: 6th-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (an ointment for the eyes that costs 25 gp; is made from mushroom powder, saffron, and fat; and is consumed by the spell)
Duration: 1 hour
When you lay your hand upon a creature and invoke this magic, their eyes are opened to the world’s hidden truths.
For a span of time, the recipient sees through veils and deceptions. They possess truesight, a vision keen enough to pierce illusions and falsehoods. Hidden arcane doors are laid bare before them, revealed by their innate insight. Even the Ethereal Plane’s secrets are unveiled, as their sight reaches out to a distance of 120 feet.
Such is the magic of this spell, a brief but profound revelation of the world’s mysteries.
Find the Path: 6th-level
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a set of divinatory tools – such as bones, ivory sticks, cards, teeth, or carved runes – worth 100 gp, and an object from the location you wish to find)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 day
Ah, now here’s a spell that’ll guide you true, my dear. With this enchantment, you can seek the swiftest path to a place you know well upon the very plane you stand. But beware, for it won’t serve you if you seek a place on another plane, one that moves about like a ship on the seas, or if your destination is vague as the wind.
As long as you tread the same soil as your destination, the spell grants you knowledge of how far it lies and in what direction. When your journey leads you through tangled woods or winding roads, fear not, for this magic will unfurl the shortest and most direct route before your very eyes. Though remember, the quickest path isn’t always the safest, mind you.
Foresight: 9th-level
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a hummingbird feather)
Duration: 8 hours
Picture this: with but a gentle touch, you grant a willing soul a fleeting glimpse into the morrow. For a time, they shall dance in harmony with fate’s whispers.
In the span of this enchantment, the chosen one becomes a sentinel of the present and the future. They shan’t be caught off guard, their every step graced with foreknowledge. When blades clash or the world itself seems to tremble, their aim, their wits, and their very essence become a bastion of resilience.
And more still, the dark intentions of others falter in their presence, for the very weave of destiny guards them. Yet beware, for this gift is no infinite wellspring; too soon, its power wanes, and you must wait ere you bestow it once more
Guidance on Using Scrying Spells
The art of scrying is a mystical endeavor that beckons seekers to peer through the veils of reality. When engaging in the practice of scrying spells, consider the following:
- Clarity of Vision: Approach each scrying endeavor with a clear and focused mind. The more precise your intent, the sharper your visions will become.
- Interpreting Symbols: Pay close attention to symbols, images, and sensations that arise during scrying. Often, hidden truths are concealed within the tapestry of the ethereal.
- Respect for Privacy: Exercise discretion and respect when peering into the lives of others. Avoid prying into matters that are not meant for your eyes.
- Trust Your Intuition: Embrace your inner wisdom when deciphering scrying visions. Sometimes, the meaning lies in the subtleties and feelings evoked by the experience.
- Ethical Considerations: Always weigh the ethical implications of your scrying pursuits. Remember that knowledge, especially of a personal nature, carries responsibilities.
With these words of guidance, I entrust you with the knowledge of Scrying Spells. May you use this wisdom to further your understanding of the mystical arts and uncover truths hidden beneath the surface of reality.
Casting the threads of fate,
Old Nan
