Level
2nd
Casting Time
1 Action
Range/Area
Self
Components
V, S, M *
Duration
Concentration
10 Minutes
School
Divination
Attack/Save
None
Damage/Effect
Detection
Describe or name an object that is familiar to you. You sense the direction to the object's location, as long as that object is within 1,000 feet of you. If the object is in motion, you know the direction of its movement.
The spell can locate a specific object known to you, as long as you have seen it up close--within 30 feet--at least once. Alternatively, the spell can locate the nearest object of a particular kind, such as a certain kind of apparel, jewelry, furniture, tool, or weapon.
This spell can't locate an object if any thickness of lead, even a thin sheet, blocks a direct path between you and the object.
* - (a forked twig)
Airtags. I craft and gift unique tokens to my party members to keep track of them if we get separated. It came in handy when the rogue had the genius idea of slipping their engraved shark tooth into a thief's haul. The token itself is not magic thus doesn't trigger Detect Magic and we were able to track the stolen treasure back to the hideout.
Still feel that the spell is relatively weak for a second level spell slot.
We are trying to use Locate Object to find the deed to the ranch we liberated. What is some specific wording I can say to Locate object?
So when it says you can locate a specific object known to you does that 1,000 foot rule still apply or is that only for an object that you aren't familiar with. Because the way this is worded makes me think it's the latter.
If no one in the party has ever seen a deed before in your world, then I think I'd say, "I'm trying to locate a flat object on which [NAME OF RANCH] is written which also describes the plot of land on which [NAME OF RANCH] is situated." That might do the trick.
I disagree with your interpretation because I think the first two sentences of the description apply to the object regardless of whether you've seen it before while the next sentences further clarify under what conditions the casting is successful. Because the 1,000 foot range is only mentioned in the first two sentences, I consider it to be part of any casting of the spell.
So here's a fun rulings question: What is an object? We know that it can't be a living creature or plant, since they are covered by other spells. Of course the good old "is a corpse an object" debacle is also up for debate, but here's really the crux of my question: Does the target object have to be a crafted item, or is it possible to search for say, gold ore?
If so, this would have vast implications for world building, as diviners able to cast 2nd level spells would be invaluable in finding all sorts of rare metals and gems. Quite a few would probably set up mining operations of their own and become incredibly wealthy.
Notably the spell doesn't seem to be hindered by most materials, only lead, so the spell should be able to locate ore or gems of any kind up to a mile directly below the caster.
haha same reason i looked up this spell
Well firstly, its 1000 feet, not a mile, so you're off by about 4000 feet. Beyond that, it would really only work for the FIRST bit of ore you find, since that would always be the one nearest you. At that point, how much more effective it is than non-magical methods is up for debate.
That said, considering the material component is essentially a dousing rod, I'd say they probably had this exact situation in mind when making the spell.
Why is this not an Artificer spell? How many Artificers have misplaced their tools or their gear or have to salvage their constructs and don't know where the giant chucked it?
Could I cast this spell on my Enemies Weapon, while in magical darkness, to avoid advantage/disadvantage on attack rolls because I know the location of his weapon?
Nope the disadvantage comes from not seeing. Knowing the location doesn't change this
This is a level 1 spell and the wording would be known easily.
SO what is stopping someone from saying "I Cast Locate Object on Lead." and find some hidden treasures?