The caster can detect magical auras. The amount of information revealed depends on how long the caster studies a particular area or subject.

1st Round: Presence or absence of magical auras.

2nd Round: Number of different magical auras and the strength of the strongest aura.

3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura. Magical areas, multiple types of magic, or strong local magical emanations may confuse or conceal weaker auras.

Aura Strength: An aura's magical power and strength depend on a spell's functioning spell level or an item's caster level.

Functioning Spell Level	Item Caster Level	Aura Power
0-level or lingering aura	Lingering aura	Dim
1st-2nd	1st-3rd	Faint
3rd	4th-5th	Moderate
4th	6th-7th	Strong
5th	8th-10th	Overwhelming

If an aura falls into more than one category, detect magical aura indicates the stronger of the two.

Length Aura Lingers: How long a magical aura lingers after the source has vacated the location depends on the aura's original strength.

Original Strength	Duration
Faint	1d6 minutes
Moderate	1d6 x 10 minutes
Strong	1d6 hours
Overwhelming	1d6 days

Each round, the caster can turn to detect things in a new area.

The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.