[RPG] How precise is Detect Magic’s location information

dnd-5espells

The Detect Magic spell states that you can sense magic within 30 feet of you. Does this let you know the location of the magic your are detecting? Are you just supposed to get a yes/no that there is magic within 30 feet of you? If there are multiple things to detect do you know about each different source of magic?

Let's say the party enters a room and the warlock uses detect magic. If there is a magic item in the closed chest across the room, one hidden under the floor and the fighter is carrying a magic sword what kind of understanding does the warlock have? Does he know the location of all these magical sources or does he just get a "yes" there is magic within 30 feet of you?

Best Answer

Detect magic has a passive mode and an active mode.

Passive mode: Yes/no there is magic within 30 feet

Once you cast the spell (and keep concentrating on it) you passively become a magic detector. While in passive mode if there is magic within 30 feet of you (not blocked by 1 foot of stone, yada yada) then you begin to beep and so know it is. Note that since it lasts awhile you don't have to ask every round, "Do I sense magic?", instead the DM should just tell you you're beeping.

Active mode: You know which object/creature has magic, and you know the school the magic is from

Once you know some magic is nearby you may use you action in a given round to gain short-range magic finding vision. In exchange for spending an action you'll be able to see magic on any visible creature or object in 30 feet and even see what school the magic is from.

Limitations ##

Passive mode can be pretty hard to use if you personally have magic items (like healing potions) or commonly have spells cast on you (like mage armor) you will constantly be beeping, "Magic, Magic, Magic". Also remember that your allies may have magic which will also set off the magic detector. Your wizard is a very sensitive instrument and for best results you should thoroughly clean them of excess magic and remove any interfering signals from the area before use.