[RPG] Using a literal reading of the rules, will this criteria for Locate Object yield this result

dnd-5espells

The criteria: "A lead object that is blocking a direct path between me, and an item that fits criteria X, Y, Z."

The result: The direction of the nearest item that fits criteria X, Y, Z that is being blocked by a lead object.

Does the criteria lead to the result, given that you read the spell description of locate object literally?

Locate Object can be blocked by lead, but it can also locate lead itself regardless.

Best Answer

"A lead object that is blocking a direct path between me and an item that fits criteria X, Y, Z."

I'd have to say no ... for a few reasons:

  1. For this to work, the spell would still have to be able to "locate" that item fitting your criteria X,Y,Z (that is, in order to properly identify your chunk of lead, it would have to know that your item is behind it). Since it's blocked by lead, it is unable to do so.
  2. You are not really describing the object. You are trying to describe the area around the object, or describing an object in relation to another object. Neither of which appears to be as Locate object says "Describe an object"
  3. You are likely not familiar with the blocking lead object, so again, going by first part of Locate object .. not going to work

I would, however, allow you to locate the nearest block of lead, since as it states later in locate object

"Alternatively, the spell can locate the nearest object of a particular kind"

...which is simply "Find the nearest hunk of lead." OK, sure. :)