Detect Undead

Divination

Level:Cleric 1, Paladin 1, Sorcerer 1, Spellbinder 1, Wizard 1
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time:1 standard action
Range:60 ft.
Area:Cone-shaped emanation
Duration:Concentration, up to 1 minute/level (D)
Saving Throw:None
Spell Resistance:No

You can detect the aura that surrounds undead creatures. The amount of information revealed depends on how long you study a particular area.

1st Round

Presence or absence of undead auras.

2nd Round

Number of undead auras in the area and the strength of the strongest undead aura present. If you are of good alignment, and the strongest undead aura’s strength is overwhelming (see below), and the creature has HD of at least twice your character level, you are stunned for 1 round and the spell ends.

3rd Round

The strength and location of each undead aura. If an aura is outside your line of sight, then you discern its direction but not its exact location.

Aura Strength

The strength of an undead aura is determined by the HD of the undead creature, as given on the table below.

Lingering Aura

An undead aura lingers after its original source is destroyed. If detect undead is cast and directed at such a location, the spell indicates an aura strength of dim (even weaker than a faint aura). How long the aura lingers at this dim level depends on its original power, as given on the table below.

Hit DiceOriginal StrengthDuration of Lingering Aura
1 or lessFaint1d6 rounds
2–4Moderate1d6 minutes
5–10Strong1d6×10 minutes
11 or moreOverwhelming1d6 days

Arcane Material Component

Earth from a grave