Detect Magic / Dispel Magic / Magical Traps


Rules Questions

Liberty's Edge

Our group needs to be clear on this point for tonights's session, so I figured I'd elict some opinions:

Is a rogue necessary to deal with magical device traps? Could a Sorceror or Wizard simply use Detect Magic to find the trap, and Dispel Magic to "Suppress" it? Is a magical device trap a "magical item" for purposes of the Dispel magic skill?

The basic problem is that magical device traps are made with spells, but (in most cases) simply employ those spells passively (Arcane Sight) and/or regurgitate them instantaneously (Fireball). Dispel Magic states "The effect of a spell with an instantaneous duration can’t be dispelled, because the magical effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect", and the magical trap entry states "Unless otherwise stated, most traps have a duration of instantaneous". But (and this is the heart of the matter), can the magical device trap be Dispelled prior to being set off?

I know how I'd rule it, anxious to hear what others think. Thanks in advance.


Jeremiziah wrote:

Our group needs to be clear on this point for tonights's session, so I figured I'd elict some opinions:

Is a rogue necessary to deal with magical device traps? Could a Sorceror or Wizard simply use Detect Magic to find the trap, and Dispel Magic to "Suppress" it? Is a magical device trap a "magical item" for purposes of the Dispel magic skill?

It depends on the nature of the trap, but even with traps another class can handle it can be very perilous for the party to not have a rogue. Most magical traps can be dispelled, but there are two spells that can hide the magical aura of traps so that may not be a good idea. The other conventional way around traps is to use summon monster spell or a 10 ft pole, but some traps affect the entire party if set off. Crushing rooms, and pits come to mind.

When you cast dispel on a trap you are suppressing the magic before it actually goes off. In a sense a fireball trap is more like a caster with a readied action. When the trigger for the trap is met the spell is cast. The goal is to take care of the trap before the trigger is met.


In a lot of ways, there are too many variables to give an easy answer to this, but really I think the simple answer is no, if your trap design had half a brain. Any good trap should be under the effect of a magic aura. Other magical traps require multiple simultaneous castings of dispel magic because they have multiple effects and dispelling one sets off the trigger. All in all though, it depends on your GM

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