So I'm about to start playing a Diviner, and I was looking for help with divination spells. You know how many guides there are strictly about divination spells?
You're reading it right now.
Sure, there are mentions here and there, but considering how many people take Diviner for the bonus spell you'd think it'd warrant more of a mention than a few spells listed here and there in more general threads. And after Treantmonk20 (who is a fabulous guide-writer) mentioned that his next three spell guides weren't going to be Divination, I said, "TK, if you don't do it, no one will. Well, not in a decent amount of time, anyway."
Hence, this guide. It was made very quickly by going through the Mango index and reading the interesting-looking spells. (I read the short descriptions and took a peek at the better-looking ones.) If there's anything you don't see here, especially from newer books, let me know. I think the newest book this rehost had was Complete Scoundrel, so I might be missing some good ones.
Sources
As mentioned, this guide is based primarily on the MangoDex. I'm going to work on getting all the sources up, but that may take a while and it honestly isn't my first priority.
PHB = Players' Handbook PHBII = Players' Handbook II SpC = Spell Compendium CAr = Complete Arcane CM = Complete Mage CS = Complete Scoundrel RoD = Races of Destiny RoS = Races of Stone DrM = Dragon Magic SW = Stormwrack RoF = Races of Faerun MoF = Magic of Faerun RoE = Races of Eberron MoE = Magic of Eberron
More coming soon...
A Note On Spontaneous Divination
About half of the spells on this list are Sor/Wiz spells. That's because this is, like TM's guide, a guide targeted at specialist wizards. However, there are a lot of other good divination spells out there, and a good number which appear at a lower level than the Sor/Wiz version on someone else's list. Various abilities, most notably Spontaneous Divination, give you access to these; therefore, I'm listing them here as well. They'll be in separate parts of each post.
A Note On Divination Spells in General
The spells I've left off this list have one thing in common -- they're incredibly situational. This means that, while they're not candidates for spellbook inclusion or Expanded Knowledge like the rest of these are, they make great targets to fetch with Spontaneous Divination or even spells to put in magic items. If you're playing a Wizard that has access to that kind of tech -- and anyone that has access to Spontaneous Divination should be using it -- I'd recommend just browsing through Mango's complete list. You'll see some neat stuff on there that I'm sure will get used at some random point in time.
The Rating System
Unabashedly stolen from Treantmonk, the rating system follows.
: This spell's a turkey; not worth having in your spellbook at all.
:thumbsdow : Not bad, but not good enough for me to recommend. Can also be too specialized to see general use; most divinations fall into this category.
* : Run of the mill. It's OK, but nothing special.
: The spell is solid. I recommend it.
: This spell is highly recommended.
:evillaugh : If you don't use this spell, I'm going to come to your house and shoot your dog.
Also, a (-) next to the source indicates that a lower-level version of the spell is available on someone else's list.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Detect Magic[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup The applications are limitless. There's not much better to do with your 0th-level slots, anyway. Read Magic[sup]PHB[/sup]: (*) Not horrible. A great thing to be able to spontaneously cast.
Bard -- Know Direction[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsdow) Really situational, but one of two other 0th-level divinations in the game. Again, worth being able to do spontaneously.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Arrow Mind[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:thumbsup This is a great spell to use after you've run out of everything in every other level and you're pulling out the crossbow. You're squishy, so why not make sure that things don't go horribly wrong when you're out of spells?
Combat Readiness[sup]DotU[/sup]: (:thumbsup +1/3 CL (min +1, max +6) insight to init and no flank bonus for enemies at 1 min/level is more than decent.
Comprehend Languages[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Situational, but it's a situation that comes up a lot.
Find Temple[sup][/sup]: (:thumbsdow) Generally speaking, this spell is awful. There have been a few times, though, that I've really wished I'd had it.
Guided Shot[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:evillaugh) Let me get this straight. No cover or concealment on your next ranged attack roll -- spell or not --as a swift action 1st-level spell?
Identify[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup You're a diviner. Your party's going to kill you if you don't use this spell.
Instant Locksmith[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:thumbsup Rogue? We don't got to show you no Rogue! We don't need no stinking Rogue! This and a few other spells can combine to make Rogues essentially useless, and are even better on an Arcane Trickster. (Divine Oracle or Unseen Seer are also good things to add for a Rogue replacement.)
Instant Search[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:thumbsup See above.
Locate City[sup]SpC[/sup]: (*) Strictly inferior to Lay of the Land, but if you can't get access to that it'll work. Also very situational, but a lot more useful than Find Temple in unexplored territory.
Scholar's Touch[sup]RoD[/sup]: (:thumbsup Multiple applications of this mean you can read entire libraries. Chain Spell for even more fun. You now have an excuse for metagaming the heck outta everything.
Sniper's Shot[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:evillaugh/:thumbsdow) If you are an Arcane Trickster or Unseen Seer, this is unbelievably useful. If you're not, it's not.
Targeting Ray[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:thumbsup I'm personally not a fan, but a lot of people are. +CL/3 insight to hit on all ranged attacks is nice, though.
True Casting[sup]CM[/sup]: (:plotting Sure it costs a standard action, but +10 to CL to overcome SR is nothing to sneeze at, and it stacks with Assay Spell Resistance.
True Strike[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup The ol' standby. For when you really need something to hit.
Truth Domain 1 -- Detect Thoughts[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plottingThis is a great spell at level 2, and even better at level 1.
Ranger 1 -- Lay of the Land[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:plotting You are never lost. Ever. Also tells you where all the evil towns are, plus any interesting dungeons.
Cleric 1 -- Wieldskill[sup]PGtF[/sup]: (:plotting +5 comp to a skill and a free half-rank in that skill if it's untrained, or any one proficiency. Not as good as +10, but I'll take it.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Insidious Insight[sup]RoE[/sup]: (:thumbsup Only against one target, but +10 insight bonus to four social skills is pretty good.
Balancing Lorecall[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:plotting I'm not gonna lie, duplicating the effects of several skills and feats as long as you have ranks in balance is pretty nifty.
Chain of Eyes[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:evillaugh) There are very few Div spells at this level that are this capable of getting you into secure places like this one is. Cast it on a buddy first, then have him trade it off.
Detect Thoughts[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (:evillaugh) "I know your horrible secret!" "What? That's impossible!" "Perhaps for YOU, puny mortal!" The trick here is the "Don't think about elephants!" method: unless someone's REALLY good, saying something like "I know your horrible secret!" will probably bring it to the target's surface thoughts.
Locate Object[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup Perhaps the best way to explain how good this spell is is to say that "my f***ing car keys" is a legal target.
Spymaster's Coin[sup]CS[/sup]: (:plotting The short duration once activated is the only thing stopping this from being one of the best divination spells in the game. As it is, it's darn good for second level.
Sense Weakness[sup]MoE[/sup]: (:thumbsup Who needs metagaming when you can cast a spell? Know Vulnerabilities is almost strictly better, but it's two levels up on Sor/Wiz.
Drow Domain 2 -- Clairaudience/Clairvoyance[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup As good at this level as it is at third.
Cleric 2 -- Divine Insight[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting I can think of a lot of builds that'd want a 5+CL, max +15 insight bonus to a given skill check.
Cleric 2 -- Find Traps[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting See Instant Locksmith in 1st level.
Cleric 2 -- Guidance of the Avatar[sup]Here[/sup]: (:evillaugh) +20 Competence to a single skill check. If you can get a 3.0 website spell allowed, DO IT.
Ranger 2 -- Hunter's Eye[sup]PHBII[/sup]: (:evillaugh) CL/3 SA dice. Sexy with Unseen Seer, sexier with Sniper's Shot, sexiest with both.
Bard 2 -- Know Vulnerabilities[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:thumbsup On the other hand, if you have access to this at the Bard level it's pretty nifty. We all know a vampire's weakness by metagaming, but now our character knows it too!
Druid 2 --Listening Lorecall[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:evillaugh) Blindsense. Excuse me, blindSIGHT. Why are you not using this spell?
Druid 2 -- Share Husk[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Because who'd suspect a cat of spying?
Cleric 2 -- Status[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup I'm sure you'll find a use for this.
Druid 2 -- Tojanda Sight[sup]SW[/sup]: (:thumbsup 360[sup]o[/sup] vision. Not bad.
Bard 2 -- Tongues[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Let's not kid ourselves: a lot of people go into divination for forgery. This helps a lot, assuming that you get to write the language too. Even if you don't it's still a really useful spell.
Druid 2 -- Wild Instincts[sup]RoE[/sup]: (:plotting +10 insight to Listen and Spot is quite good, but the real winner here is always keeping Dex to AC. Sneak Attack? I think not!
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Alter Fortune[sup]PHBII[/sup]: (:evillaugh) If I didn't hate XP components so much, I'd use this thing nonstop. A no-save, no-SR, immediate action reroll is bad enough. Pair it with Spontaneous Divination and, well....
Arcane Sight[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup Being able to see where all the magic is is pretty handy.
Battlemagic Perception[sup]HoB[/sup]: (:thumbsup Situational -- it'd be a lot better if it didn't require LoE, but plenty good on a battlefield or in a large city.
Clairaudience/Clairvoyance[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (:thumbsup This is your first location-based scry, and it'll be quite useful until you get scry location.
Unluck[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:evillaugh) TsuyoshiK's Favorite Divination Spell. A third level spell. A THIRD LEVEL SPELL, Will save, that makes the opponent reroll everything?! This is the only directly offensive divination spell, but what a heck of a spell it is.
Tongues[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (:thumbsup See if you can get it from the bard list as a 2nd. It's just as useful here, though it goes down a bit for higher level slot usage.
Absorb Mind[sup]BoVD, Corrupt[/sup]: (:plotting So you take 2d6 WIS damage every time you use this. So what? It's really good for getting info out of dead people when you can't speak with dead, and you get to eat their brain!
Path of the Exalted[sup]BoED, Sanctified[/sup]: (:turkey In the immortal words of Admiral Ackbar: "IT'S A TRAP!" This spell is really rather unique and would be really good... if you could cast divinations 24 hours before using it.
Wu Jen 3 -- Commune with Lesser Spirit[sup]CAr[/sup]: (Varies) Can actually be more useful than any other commune spell... if spirits are around. Talk to your DM before the game prior to using this spell.
Cleric/Oracle Domain 3 -- Divination[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Oracle is mentioned here because you can pick it up by going Divine ORacle, which is a good idea for a lot of reasons. A much-improved Augury for a 3rd-level slot is delectable.
Cleric 3 -- Know Opponent[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:plotting This spell is for when the DM has thrown a humanoid, disguised creature, or a homebrew monster at you. Knowing its attacks can sometimes be as valuable as knowing its defenses -- though if you want to know the latter, just cast Know Vulnerabilities and have done.
Bard 3 -- Listening Coin[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:plotting Would be strictly worse than Spymaster's Coin if not for the far longer duration. As is, very useful.
Bard 3 -- Scrying[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:evillaugh) The spell that all other scrying spells are measured against, at a lower level thanks to Bard. Always, ALWAYS worth it, though it's a bit outclassed by its greater variant.
Bard 3 -- Speechlink[sup]CAd[/sup]: (:thumbsup An annoyingly short duration for this type of spell holds back an otherwise excellent choice.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Arcane Eye[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Even with the short duration, an invisible, mobile sensor that you directly control is plenty good.
Assay Spell Resistance[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:evillaugh) YES! YES! A THOUSAND TIMES, YES! The use of this spell should be self-evident. Second only to Unluck.
Identify Transgressor[sup]BoVD, Drug[/sup]: Okay, listen. This spell should not be evil. It shouldn't have the evil descriptor, and the drug and location components have nothing to do with the spell. Why are they there? Because some idiot decided that every spell in the BoVD HAD to be an evil spell. Therefore, we get a perfectly innocent spell consigned to darkness forever. Talk with your DM about getting rid of those components; if you do, it rates a (:plotting.
Know Vulnerabilities[sup]SpC[/sup]: (*) At this level, just make a Knowledge check. Higher than this, I'd argue that my character's been adventuring long enough to hear about these things.
Locate Creature[sup]PHB[/sup]: (*) Too many ways to stop it for my taste, but it has its uses. One of which is targting "MY f***ing car keys that were animated by that f***ing mage."
Scrying[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (:evillaugh) Even a level later than the Bard, still a darn good spell.
Bard 4 -- Legend Lore[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup If you're going to be casting it over and over, at least don't do it from 6th level slots.
Cleric 4 -- Greater Status[sup]BoED[/sup]: (:plotting Okay, first off, make sure you're not looking at the Heroes of Battle version, 'cause that one sucks. Being able to cast spells through the status is pretty nifty, even if they do have to be lower-level.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Cleric/Oracle Domain 5 -- Commune[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Like contact other place, but without the "I'm a babbling idiot" risk. Lots of questions at a time.
Bard 5 -- Scry Location[sup]CS[/sup]: (:evillaugh) Just as useful as scrying. Make a great pair, they do.
Cleric 5 -- True Seeing[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Useful for ruining your DM's "a doppelganger!" plotlines, among other things.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Analyze Dweomer[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsdow) Mass identify. Wooo. Not impressed.
Eye of Stone[sup]RoS[/sup]: (:evillaugh) The ability to send an invisible eye through solid stone into a room that you're not even positive exists should not be underestimated.
Eyes of the Oracle[sup]DrM[/sup]: (:plotting A weird sort of Cerelity analogue. Generally useful, and init bonuses are always cool.
Legend Lore[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (:thumbsdow) I don't like this spell in general, and 6th is just too high for it.
Scry Location[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (:plotting Still brilliant, but 6th level is pushing it.
True Seeing[sup]PHB, (-)[/sup]: (*) Much less useful at 6th level.
Cleric 6 -- Find the Path[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting This is just a great way to generally muck with adventure plotlines.
Bard 6 -- Hindsight[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:plotting At this level, pretty nifty. Rather situational, but you just became the city's #1 detective.
Bard 6 -- Greater Scrying[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:evillaugh) Just the 100% chance of screwing with people via message is worth the slot to me. The extended duration is very good, too.
Druid 6 -- Stone Tell[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting These walls CAN talk!
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Brainspider[sup]SpC[/sup]: (:thumbsup Lots of telepathic fun, and you don't even have to eat their brains!
Greater Arcane Sight[sup]PHB[/sup]: (*) If you're wondering why this is rated so high, let alone on the list at all, it has something to do with the fact that all the other 7th level divinations are about as powerful as vision.
Wu Jen 7 -- Commune with Greater Spirit[sup]CAr[/sup]: (Varies) Not a bad little spell... as long as there are lots of spirits in your campaign. Talk with your DM pre-game if you're going to use this one.
Time Domain 7 -- Moment of Prescience[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:evillaugh) A level early? Yes, please.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
Discern Location[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:thumbsup A good start to a one-two combo with another divination spell. "My f***ing car keys" is still a legal target, although if Olidammara has really decided to screw you today you still won't find them.
Moment of Prescience[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:evillaugh) +CL insight to any one of a variety of rolls makes TK happy.
Greater Prying Eyes[sup]PHB[/sup]: (:plotting Now your flying eyeballs have true seeing.
You're the straightest shooter I know on these boards. You don't mince words about your opinions, and I respect that about you. The whole fiasco you described in the last State of the CO Forum was particularly enlightening (and kind of disappointing with regards to how they see us).
Ah, Tsuyo. When your post isn't one sentence long full of asterisks, you have much wisdom to share with us .
From the IRC:
(19:52) RuinsFate: You know, I was gonna agree with something PalOn said... but I think I'm just gonna through my lot in with tsuyo's sudden train-wreck grade interjection.
(01:45) Nausicaa: yes your rage is a righteous rage :D (01:45) Nausicaa: righteous rage of torpedo
: This spell's a turkey; not worth having in your spellbook at all.
: The spell is solid. I recommend it.
: This spell is highly recommended.
.