Saturday, March 30, 2013

Can you Scry on an Object using the Scrying Spell in D&D 3.5?

Can you Scry on an Object using the Scrying Spell in D&D 3.5?
 
The answer is "Yes".  Although the spell description for the scrying spell does not explicitly state you can scry on objects, we can imply the spell, and crystal balls, were intended to be included based on the description of several other spells, most notably Obscure Object and Nondetection.  The text of each of those spells specifies that they make it more difficult to scry upon objects or beings when using the scrying spell or a crystal ball.

When scrying upon an object, or person, there must be sufficient light for the scrier to see the object being scried upon.  If you attempt to scry upon an object locked in a dark chest and you don't have darkvision, you will be unable to see the object you are scrying upon, but you will know that it is in a dark place.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

False. Page 274 of the PHB 3.5, Scrying specifically says creatures.

Unknown said...

"Scrying" from 3.5 PHB indicates "creatures". So I don't believe you can imply anything except creatures.

Rob Kraft said...

Thanks Dana. I think I agree with you. Wizards did a really good job in 3.5 with consistency but this appears to be one place they made a mistake. The Obscure Object spell specifically says it prevents scrying by the scry spell or a Crystal ball (which uses the scry spell). If the text of obscure object said it prevented scrying from the Locate Object spell, then all would be consistent. I no longer have my 3.0 books because I wanted to see if those spells had changed from 3.0 to 3.5 and they just had not made all the corrections. I am now in agreement with you that the intent is creatures only, but I suppose the important thing is that your group agree on the rules of play and be consistent.

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