Divine Sense is a special ability available to some classes in the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons (5e), particularly Paladins. It allows a character to sense the presence of powerful supernatural entities within a certain range.
Specifically, using Divine Sense allows a character to detect the presence of any celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet of them, that isn’t behind total cover. This ability is not limited by physical barriers such as walls or doors, but it is blocked by barriers that provide total cover, such as a lead-lined coffin.
Divine Sense can be used a number of times per day equal to one plus the character’s Charisma modifier, and it recharges after a long rest. When the ability is used, the character can detect the presence of any of these creatures within range, but cannot discern their location or exact number.
The character also gains a general sense of the creature’s type (celestial, fiend, or undead) but not its identity or alignment. Divine Sense can be a useful tool for characters when exploring dangerous places or when investigating supernatural phenomena.
It can also be used to help determine the alignment of a particular creature, as fiends and undead are typically evil-aligned, while celestials are typically good-
Using Divine Sense 5e
Using Divine Sense in 5e is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the specifics of how the ability works. Here are the key aspects of using Divine Sense:
Range of Detection: Divine Sense has a range of 60 feet, which means that the character can detect any celestial, fiend, or undead creature within that distance. However, if a creature is behind total cover (such as a lead-lined coffin), the character cannot detect it.
Types of Creatures Detected: Divine Sense detects celestial, fiend, and undead creatures. It does not detect other types of creatures, such as constructs, elementals, or dragons.
Frequency of Use: Divine Sense can be used a number of times per day equal to one plus the character’s Charisma modifier (minimum of once per day). The ability recharges after a long rest.
Detection Process: When a character uses Divine Sense, they gain a sense of the presence of any celestial, fiend, or undead creature within range. They do not gain any information beyond that, such as the creature’s location or identity. However, they do gain a general sense of the creature’s type (celestial, fiend, or undead).
Limitations: While Divine Sense is a powerful ability, it does have its limitations. The range is relatively short, and the ability can only detect specific types of creatures. Additionally, it does not provide any additional information beyond the creature’s presence and type.
Divine Sense can be an important tool for characters in 5e, particularly Paladins when exploring dangerous places or investigating supernatural phenomena.
It can also be used to help determine the alignment of a particular creature, as fiends and undead are typically evil-aligned, while celestials are typically good-aligned. Understanding the specifics of how the ability works can help players use it effectively in their games.
Roleplaying Opportunities with Divine Sense 5e
Divine Sense is not just a mechanical feature in Dungeons & Dragons; it can also provide a wealth of roleplaying opportunities for characters. Here are a few ways in which players can explore the roleplaying potential of Divine Sense:
Faith and Connection to the Divine
Characters with Divine Sense have a unique connection to the divine that other characters do not possess. They may be devout followers of a particular deity, or they may have a more abstract sense of spirituality.
Either way, the use of Divine Sense can provide an opportunity for players to explore their character’s faith and connection to the divine.
Detecting Hidden Enemies
One of the most obvious uses of Divine Sense is to detect the presence of supernatural creatures, such as fiends, celestials, and the undead. This can create interesting roleplaying opportunities, particularly if the creatures are hidden or disguised.
For example, a paladin might sense the presence of a demon possessing an innocent-looking NPC, forcing the party to decide whether to act on this knowledge.
Uncovering Hidden Secrets
In addition to detecting supernatural creatures, Divine Sense can also detect consecrated or desecrated objects or places.
This can create opportunities for players to uncover hidden secrets or clues that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, a cleric might sense that a particular room in a dungeon has been desecrated, indicating that something evil or nefarious is afoot.
Exploring Morality and Ethics
The use of Divine Sense can also create opportunities for players to explore their character’s sense of morality and ethics. For example, detecting the presence of a fiend might prompt a paladin to consider whether it is moral to kill it outright, or whether there might be a more compassionate way to deal with the creature.
Alternatively, a cleric might sense that a particular object is consecrated to a deity they do not personally worship, leading to questions of religious tolerance and respect.
Divine Sense provides a rich source of roleplaying opportunities for players to explore their characters’ faith, morality, and worldview.
By considering the implications of this feature beyond its mechanical benefits, players can deepen their understanding of their characters and create more compelling stories.
Variations of Divine Sense
Divine Sense can vary between different classes and subclasses in D&D 5e. Here are some examples of variations of Divine Sense:
Paladin: The base version of Divine Sense is available to all Paladins, and allows them to detect celestial, fiend, or undead creatures within range. Some Paladin subclasses, such as the Oath of Devotion, gain additional benefits when using Divine Sense, such as being able to detect the presence of powerful evil or good
Cleric: Clerics can also gain access to Divine Sense as a class feature, but the specifics can vary depending on their chosen domain. For example, a Grave Domain Cleric can use Divine Sense to detect the location of undead creatures, while a Light Domain Cleric can use Divine Sense to detect the presence of any hidden or obscured creatures within range.
Ranger: The Monster Slayer subclass for Rangers gains a modified version of Divine Sense that allows them to detect the presence of aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead within range. They also gain the ability to learn more information about these creatures if they spend more time focusing on them.
Oath of the Watchers: This Paladin subclass from the Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything supplement gains an enhanced version of Divine Sense that allows them to detect the presence of aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead within range.
They also gain the ability to detect the presence of any creatures that are invisible or hidden from view and can detect the use of any teleportation or planar travel within a mile of their location.
Warlock: The Hexblade subclass for Warlocks gains a modified version of Divine Sense that allows them to detect the location of their Hexblade’s Curse targets within range. They also gain the ability to see in magical darkness, which can be useful for detecting hidden or obscured creatures.
Divine Soul Sorcerer: The Divine Magic subclass for Sorcerers gains access to Divine Sense as a bonus action, which allows them to detect the presence of celestial, fiend, or undead creatures within range. They also gain the ability to spend sorcery points to gain more information about these creatures, such as their type or location.
How it Doesn’t Work
While Divine Sense is a useful and powerful ability, there are certain limitations to its use. Here are some examples of how Divine Sense doesn’t work:
Limited to Specific Creature Types: Divine Sense can only detect the presence of celestial, fiendish, and undead creatures. It cannot detect other creature types such as constructs, elementals, or dragons. It cannot detect traps, magical effects, or other non-living entities.
Limited Range: Divine Sense has a limited range of 60 feet, which means that it can only detect creatures within that range. If a creature is beyond 60 feet or behind total cover, the Paladin cannot detect it.
Does Not Reveal Identity or Location: Divine Sense only reveals the presence and general location of celestial, fiendish, and undead creatures. It does not reveal their identity, location, or other details about them.
Limited Use: Divine Sense can only be used a number of times per day equal to one plus the Paladin’s Charisma modifier (minimum of once per day). This means that the Paladin must use the ability judiciously and conserve it for when it is most needed.
Limited Duration: Divine Sense only lasts for a single turn, which means that the Paladin must be quick to act on any information they gain from the ability.
Overall, while Divine Sense is a powerful ability that can be extremely useful in certain situations, it does have its limitations. Paladins must use the ability strategically and be aware of its limitations in order to get the most out of it.
Using Divine Sense When You Aren’t a Paladin
In 5e, Divine Sense is a unique ability granted to Paladins. However, there are some ways that other classes or characters can use similar abilities to detect the presence of supernatural entities:
Spells: Some spells in D&D can be used to detect the presence of celestial, fiendish, or undead creatures. For example, the “Detect Evil and Good” spell allows a character to sense the presence of aberrations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead.
This spell is available to several classes, including Clerics, Paladins, and Rangers.
Magic Items: Some magic items in D&D can grant the user the ability to detect the presence of supernatural entities.
For example, the “Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location” grants the wearer immunity to detection by divination magic and the ability to detect the presence of creatures affected by divination magic, such as the “Detect Evil and Good” spell.
Class Features: Some other classes in D&D have similar abilities to Divine Sense. For example, the Ranger’s “Primeval Awareness” ability allows them to sense the presence of aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead within one mile of them.
Feats: Some feats in D&D can also grant characters the ability to detect the presence of supernatural entities. For example, the “Observant” feat grants the character the ability to read lips and the ability to understand any written language.
Additionally, the character gains a +5 bonus to their passive Wisdom (Perception) score, which can be used to detect hidden creatures or objects.
Multiclassing: Characters can also multiclass into Paladin in order to gain access to Divine Sense. However, this option may not be viable for all characters, as it requires investing levels into the Paladin class and meeting certain ability score prerequisites.
It’s important to note that these abilities are not identical to Divine Sense and may have different limitations and strengths. Additionally, some abilities may be more effective than others depending on the situation.
However, characters who don’t have access to Divine Sense can still use other abilities to detect the presence of supernatural entities in their environment.
FAQs
Can we block Divine Sense?
Yes, Divine Sense in D&D 5e can be blocked or circumvented in certain circumstances.
What’s the max number of times a Paladin can use Divine Sense?
A Paladin can use Divine Sense a number of times per day equal to their level in the class that grants the ability (usually Paladin). For example, a 5th-level Paladin can use Divine Sense five times per day.
Does Divine Sense have any limitations or restrictions?
Yes, Divine Sense has some limitations and restrictions in D&D 5e. For example, it can only detect certain types of creatures and objects, requires an action to use, and has a limited range of 60 feet. It cannot detect creatures or objects that are hidden by magical means or that are outside of the range or scope of the ability.
Who cannot use Divine Sense?
Characters who do not belong to these classes or subclasses do not have access to the Divine Sense ability.
Can Divine Sense detect undead or fiends that are not actively hostile?
Yes, Divine Sense can detect any celestial, fiend, or undead creatures within range, regardless of whether they are actively hostile or not. The ability does not distinguish between friendly or hostile creatures of these types; it simply detects their presence within 60 feet of the character.
Can Divine Sense detect creatures behind walls or other obstacles?
No, Divine Sense cannot detect creatures that are behind total cover. The total cover is defined as an obstacle that completely blocks the line of sight, such as a wall or a closed door.