Scrying
- Level: 5
- School: Divination
- Class: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Warlock, Wizard
- Casting Time: 10 minutes
- Range: Self
- Components: V, S, M (a focus worth 1,000+ GP, such as a crystal ball, mirror, or water-filled font)
- Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
You can see and hear a creature you choose that is on the same plane of existence as you. The target makes a Wisdom saving throw, which is modified (see the tables below) by how well you know the target and the sort of physical connection you have to it. The target doesn't know what it is making the save against, only that it feels uneasy.
| Your Knowledge of the Target Is ... | Save Modifier |
|---|---|
| Secondhand (heard of the target) | +5 |
| Firsthand (met the target) | +0 |
| Extensive (know the target well) | -5 |
| You Have the Target's ... | Save Modifier |
|---|---|
| Picture or other likeness | -2 |
| Garment or other possession | -4 |
| Body part, lock of hair, or bit of nail | -10 |
On a successful save, the target isn't affected, and you can't use this spell on it again for 24 hours.
On a failed save, the spell creates an Invisible, intangible sensor within 10 feet of the target. You can see and hear through the sensor as if you were there. The sensor moves with the target, remaining within 10 feet of it for the duration. If something can see the sensor, it appears as a luminous orb about the size of your fist.
Instead of targeting a creature, you can target a location you have seen. When you do so, the sensor appears at that location and doesn't move.
Tactical Usage
Remote Surveillance Mastery. Scrying provides unparalleled intelligence gathering capabilities through remote observation of targets across vast distances on the same plane.
Connection-Based Success. The spell's effectiveness scales with familiarity and physical connections to targets, rewarding preparation and investigation efforts.
Extended Observation Period. The 10-minute concentration duration enables detailed surveillance of target activities, conversations, and surroundings.
Spell Combinations
Information Integration. Combining with detection magic or knowledge-gathering spells maximizes intelligence value from surveillance sessions.
Communication Coordination. Using alongside Sending or other communication magic enables real-time intelligence sharing with allies.
Investigation Enhancement. Pairing with divination magic helps identify optimal targets and gather connection materials for improved success rates.
Material Component Details
Expensive Focus Investment. The 1,000+ gold piece focus represents substantial investment but provides permanent scrying capability without consumption.
Focus Variety Options. Crystal balls, mirrors, or water fonts offer different scrying approaches with potential thematic and mechanical variations.
Component Quality. Higher-value focuses might provide enhanced clarity, range, or resistance to counter-scrying measures.
Creator Notes
Intelligence Gathering Tool. Scrying provides excellent mechanics for information acquisition, enemy monitoring, and strategic planning in complex campaigns.
Privacy Invasion Concerns. The spell raises ethical considerations about surveillance, consent, and magical privacy that can create interesting roleplay scenarios.
Counter-Scrying Awareness. The spell's visibility to detect magic and certain creatures creates opportunities for counter-intelligence and magical security measures.
Environmental Interactions
Planar Limitations. The spell only functions within the same plane of existence, preventing cross-planar surveillance without additional magical support.
Sensor Detection. The luminous orb appearance to creatures capable of seeing it creates potential for discovery and counter-measures.
Location Targeting. Alternative location-based scrying provides surveillance of areas rather than individuals with different tactical applications.
Common Rulings & Clarifications
Save Modification System. The spell uses detailed modifier tables based on knowledge level and physical connection strength to determine success probability.
Sensor Mechanics. The invisible sensor moves with targets and provides complete sensory information as if the caster were present.
Daily Limitation. Successful target saves prevent further scrying attempts for 24 hours, limiting persistent surveillance efforts.
Duration and Concentration. The spell requires sustained concentration for up to 10 minutes, making caster protection important during surveillance.
Alternative Applications
Missing Person Location. Finding lost allies, kidnapped individuals, or disappeared persons through magical surveillance and tracking.
Criminal Investigation. Gathering evidence, monitoring suspects, or observing crime scenes from safe distances during legal proceedings.
Diplomatic Intelligence. Monitoring enemy movements, political negotiations, or strategic planning sessions for tactical advantage.
Related Spells
Divination Magic Comparison. Clairvoyance provides area observation, while Contact Other Plane offers information from extraplanar sources.
Detection Magic. Various spells identify magical effects, while Scrying provides sustained observation with different capabilities.
Communication Alternatives. Sending enables direct contact, while Scrying offers passive observation without target awareness.
Scaling Analysis
Consistent Utility Value. Scrying maintains relevance throughout character progression as intelligence gathering remains valuable regardless of power level.
Investigation Campaign Utility. The spell becomes increasingly important for complex political intrigue, mystery solving, and strategic planning scenarios.
Resource Investment Returns. The expensive focus provides unlimited scrying capability that justifies the initial investment over campaign duration.
Narrative Flavor
Mystical Observation. The spell should emphasize the otherworldly nature of remote observation through magical means rather than technological surveillance.
Focus Manifestation. Different scrying focuses can create unique visual experiences - crystal balls showing misty images, mirrors reflecting distant scenes, fonts displaying rippling visions.
Ethereal Sensation. The target's unease should reflect the supernatural awareness of being observed without understanding the source or nature of the sensation.