Player's Handbook

Detect Evil

A 2nd-level wizard spell.

← All spells

At a glance

Level2
SchoolDivination
Range0
ComponentsV / S
Duration5 rds./level
Casting time2
Area of effect10 × 180 ft.
Saving throwNone
ReversibleYes
SourcePHB p. 182

Description

This spell discovers emanations of evil (or of good in the case of the spell) from any creature, object, or area. Character is not revealed under most circumstances: Characters who are strongly aligned, do not stray from their faith, and who are at least 9th might radiate good or evil if they are intent upon appropriate actions. Powerful monsters, such as ki-rin, send forth emanations of evil or good, even if polymorphed. Aligned undead radiate evil, for it is this power and negative force that enables them to continue existing. An evilly cursed object or unholy water radiates evil, but a hidden trap or an unintelligent viper does not. The degree of evil (faint, moderate, strong, overwhelming) can be noted. Note that priests have a more powerful version of this spell. The spell has a path of detection 10 feet wide and 60 yards long in the direction in which the wizard is facing. The wizard must concentrate—stop, have quiet, and intently seek to detect the aura—for at least one to receive a reading.