Can detect magic sense an anti-magic field?

[Mechaniacal]

I'm creating some NPCs for a game... and I wanted one of those NPCs to be a merchant that specifically sells magic items on the down-low. Obviously he doesn't want to get targeted by bandits looking to steal those items on the road, so to avoid someone detecting the magic, I had the thought of having him keep the items in 'anti-magic' boxes.

The idea is that while in the boxes, the items would appear to be mundane objects... but this falls apart if the boxes themselves can still be detected with a simple detect magic spell, so I wanted to get the thoughts of other DM types.

[Ziether]

The most important question that can be asked: which system are you asking this about?

[Admin Dirk]

In 3.5 and Pathfinder, you can put the items in a metal or stone box, and block the spell from sensing the items. However, once the box was open... the items could be sensed.

You could create a box with an anti-magic field, BUT, that's an abjuration spell (and a powerful one), so that could be detected by the detect magic. The items inside, so long as they remained inside, would NOT be magical, and thus not detected as such... until they were removed.


There's also the magic aura spell, which could be used to fool people.

The best "trap" for anti-detect magic would be to have the merchant cast several spells on the box, and on himself, etc... give so many conflicting auras that it takes a long while for the caster to sort them out. Put some coins in the box with magic spells on them too... different schools. Toss an illusion spell on top, to add to the tom foolery.

[Ziether]

Also, in Pathfinder/3.Xe D&D, there's the Magic Aura spell.

[jj_wolven]

Lead lining blocks divination and detection in almost all systems.
Since there is also leaded glass, he can have a regular shop with lead lines walls and leaded windows that will block detection magic.

-me

[Astra]

Originally Posted by Mechaniacal

I'm creating some NPCs for a game... and I wanted one of those NPCs to be a merchant that specifically sells magic items on the down-low. Obviously he doesn't want to get targeted by bandits looking to steal those items on the road, so to avoid someone detecting the magic, I had the thought of having him keep the items in 'anti-magic' boxes.

The idea is that while in the boxes, the items would appear to be mundane objects... but this falls apart if the boxes themselves can still be detected with a simple detect magic spell, so I wanted to get the thoughts of other DM types.

I only DM 5th edition but in my weekly game I'm running if a similar situation arose I'd probably reply to a Detect Magic casting with something along the lines of "you sense nothing magical about these boxes".

I've always viewed the Dectect XYZ spells as being akin to putting on, I don't know, infrared goggles or something. Either you see the polymorphed daemon glowing white-hot evil energy or you don't.

[Gaijin]

I'm a fan of jj_wolven's suggestion of leaded glass. (and/or lead foil bags)

I'm also a fan of creating homebrew NPC-only classes, subclasses, and abilities. For example, an NPC-Artificer(Merchant) might have the ability "Defuse item" as opposed to "Infuse item", which could temporarily suppress a magic item's power. The world is vast and players should expect to encounter the unexpected.

If necessary, have the player do a contested roll against the merchant to reveal the suppressive effect.

[AsenRG]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

I'm a fan of jj_wolven's suggestion of leaded glass. (and/or lead foil bags)

The fun fact is that leaded glass/foil actually should attract more attention. As in, "here's a thing my magic sight can't pierce, what could warrant such protection"?