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Detect Evil and Good

Divination
Level: 1st-level
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Duration: Up to 10 minutes
Components: V, S

For the duration, you know if there is an aberration, celestial, elemental, fey, fiend, or undead within 30 feet of you, as well as where the creature is located. Similarly, you know if there is a place or object within 30 feet of you that has been magically consecrated or desecrated. The spell can penetrate most barriers, but it is blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt.

Concentration

Spell Details

School: Divination
Level: 1
Ritual: No
Concentration: Yes
Classes: Cleric, Paladin
B-Tier A situationally powerful utility spell that excels in specific campaigns but lacks direct combat impact, making it valuable for preparation and roleplay rather than immediate tactical advantage.

Player Guide

Cast this spell before entering potentially dangerous locations to scout for fiends, undead, or other supernatural threats without risking direct confrontation. Use the 30-foot detection range to position your party tactically—pull back if you sense a fiend, or prepare ambush positions if you detect undead. This spell is particularly valuable when investigating cursed locations, as it confirms magical desecration and helps identify trapped or consecrated areas. Note that it reveals location but not creature type or intentions, so combine with other information gathering for complete tactical awareness.

DM Tips

Remember that the spell only detects presence and location within 30 feet—it doesn't penetrate walls or reveal creatures' exact positions beyond directional awareness, preventing it from becoming a substitute for careful dungeon exploration. Clarify with players that 'knowing where it is' means general direction/distance rather than precise coordinates, maintaining tension and mystery.