Perceives the presence of evil
Original D&D[]
Detect Evil[]
The spell first appeared in Men & Magic, for the magic-user and the cleric. Anti-clerics can use the reversed form.
- Spell Level 1 (cleric) or 2 (magic-user)
Detects evil thought, intent, or an evilly enchanted objects.
Reversed Form[]
Though not explicitly described, the reversed form presumably detects good thought, intent, or goodly enchanted objects.
AD&D[]
Detect Evil[]
Debuted in the Player's Handbook as a cleric spell and magic-user spell. It is further elaborated on in the DMG.
Cleric[]
| Level: 1 | School: Divination |
| Components: V, S, M (holy symbol) | |
| Range: 12" | Casting Time: 1 round |
| Duration: 1 turn + 1 turn/2 levels | Saving Throw: Special |
| Area: 1" path | |
Reveals "emanations of evil" in any creature or object in the area (which is in the direction the caster is facing), so as to reveal creatures of evil alignment or with evil curses.
DM's Advice: The degree of evil (faint, moderate, strong, overwelming) and its general nature (expetant, malignant, gloating, etc.) can be noted. If the evil is overwhelming, there is a 10%/level chance that the cleric can detect the "bent" of evil (lawful, neutral, or chaotic).
Reversed[]
Reveals "emanations of good" in any or creature or object in the area. Presumably, the degree, nature, and "bent" of good can be detected as well.
Magic-User[]
| Level: 2 | School: Divination |
| Components: V, S | |
| Range: 6" | Casting Time: 2 segments |
| Duration: 5 rounds/level | Saving Throw: None |
| Area: 1" path | |
Reveals "emanations of evil" in any creature or object in the area (which is in the direction the caster is facing), so as to reveal creatures of evil alignment or with evil curses.
DM's Advice: This spell can only reveal the intensity of evil, not other qualities about it.
Reversed[]
Reveals "emanations of good" in any or creature or object in the area. Presumably, the intensity of the good can be detected as well.