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Find Traps

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Find Traps
  • Level: 2
  • School: Divination
  • Class: Cleric, Druid, Ranger
  • Casting Time: Action
  • Range: 120 feet
  • Components: V, S
  • Duration: Instantaneous

You sense any trap within range that is within line of sight. A trap, for the purpose of this spell, includes any object or mechanism that was created to cause damage or other danger. Thus, the spell would sense the Alarm or Glyph of Warding spell or a mechanical pit trap, but it wouldn't reveal a natural weakness in the floor, an unstable ceiling, or a hidden sinkhole.

This spell reveals that a trap is present but not its location. You do learn the general nature of the danger posed by a trap you sense.

Tactical Usage​

Trap Detection: Find Traps provides limited trap detection capabilities. This 2nd-level divination spell excels at confirming trap presence but provides minimal specific information.

Optimal Timing: Cast when trap presence is suspected, for general area safety assessment, or when divination confirmation is needed.

Resource Management: Uses a 2nd-level spell slot - available from character level 3+. Instantaneous detection with limited scope.

Target Selection: 120-foot range provides moderate area coverage for trap detection.

Spell Combinations​

Synergistic Spells:

  • Detection Magic: Combine with detect magic for comprehensive magical trap identification
  • Investigation Magic: Layer with other divination spells for enhanced information gathering
  • Safety Magic: Pair with protection spells for safe trap investigation

Class Feature Interactions:

  • Investigation Skills: Enhanced investigation abilities complement magical trap detection
  • Thieves' Tools Proficiency: Mundane trap detection skills work with magical confirmation
  • Divination Focus: Wizards specializing in divination gain enhanced detection effectiveness

Multi-Caster Coordination: Multiple detection spells can provide comprehensive area assessment.

Material Component Details​

Component Acquisition: No material components required - only verbal and somatic components needed.

Component Handling: Simple V, S casting allows quick deployment during exploration.

Roleplay Opportunities: Different detection manifestations reflect divination traditions or magical sensing techniques.

Economic Considerations: No costs make this economically viable for regular safety assessment.

Creator Notes​

Encounter Balancing: Limited trap detection affects exploration encounters but provides minimal specific information.

NPC Usage: Cautious NPCs or divination specialists might use this for area assessment.

Environmental Considerations: 120-foot range provides moderate coverage. Detects presence but not specifics.

Campaign Integration: Limited utility magic for trap-heavy campaigns requiring basic detection confirmation.

Environmental Interactions​

Terrain Effects: 120-foot range covers moderate encounter areas. Works in any environment.

Weather Influence: Unaffected by weather conditions, providing reliable detection regardless of environment.

Structural Interactions: Detects traps within structures but provides minimal specific information.

Elemental Interactions: Detection unaffected by elemental conditions or supernatural interference.

Common Rulings & Clarifications​

Timing Questions: Action casting time with instantaneous effect. Provides immediate but limited information.

Target Limitations: 120-foot range detection. Reveals presence but not trap types or mechanisms.

Duration Interactions: Instantaneous detection. No ongoing effects or continued monitoring.

Mechanical Interactions: Detects trap presence within range. Does not reveal trap types, triggers, or disarmament methods.

Alternative Applications​

Non-Combat Uses: General safety assessment, area security evaluation, or basic trap confirmation.

Social Encounters: Demonstrating caution, security assessment, or magical detection capabilities.

Exploration Applications: Basic trap detection, area safety confirmation, or general security assessment.

Utility Functions: Safety assessment, trap confirmation, security evaluation, or basic detection assistance.

Same School: Other divination spells like detect magic (1st level magical detection), locate object (2nd level item finding), clairvoyance (3rd level remote viewing).

Similar Effects: detect magic (1st level magical detection), see invisibility (2nd level hidden detection), true seeing (6th level comprehensive detection).

Progression Options: find traps (2nd level basic detection), clairvoyance (3rd level remote viewing), true seeing (6th level comprehensive detection).

Complementary Magic: detect magic (magical trap identification), investigation (skill enhancement), guidance (skill assistance).

Scaling Analysis​

Level Progression: Limited utility throughout campaigns due to minimal information provided.

Upcast Benefits: No improvement from higher spell slots, making this a pure 2nd-level detection investment.

Campaign Phases: Most useful in early-to-mid level campaigns where basic trap detection provides value.

Comparative Value: Limited utility magic that provides minimal information for moderate resource investment.

Narrative Flavor​

Casting Description: Divination magic flows through the area as you sense for the presence of hidden dangers and mechanical traps.

Effect Manifestation: Your magical senses detect the general presence of traps within the area but provide no specific details.

Personal Style: Different casters manifest detection through various sensory enhancements or magical awareness techniques.

World Integration: Represents basic divination magic available to cautious casters, often associated with exploration safety, dungeon delving, or security assessment.