Arcanist's Magic Aura

A
Utility

Arcanist's Magic Aura is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that hides a creature’s true type or makes an object mimic, mask, or fake its magical aura.

2024 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a small square of silk)
Duration
24 hours
Classes
Wizard

With a touch, you place an illusion on a willing creature or an object that isn't being worn or carried. A creature gains the Mask effect below, and an object gains the False Aura effect below. The effect lasts for the duration. If you cast the spell on the same target every day for 30 days, the illusion lasts until dispelled.

Mask (Creature). Choose a creature type other than the target's actual type. Spells and other magical effects treat the target as if it were a creature of the chosen type.

False Aura (Object). You change the way the target appears to spells and magical effects that detect magical auras, such as Detect Magic. You can make a nonmagical object appear magical, make a magic item appear nonmagical, or change the object's aura so that it appears to belong to a school of magic you choose.

2014 Rules
Level & School
2nd-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, S, M (a small square of silk)
Duration
24 hours
Classes
Wizard

You place an illusion on a creature or an object you touch so that divination spells reveal false information about it. The target can be a willing creature or an object that isn't being carried or worn by another creature.

When you cast the spell, choose one or both of the following effects. The effect lasts for the duration. If you cast this spell on the same creature or object every day for 30 days, placing the same effect on it each time, the illusion lasts until it is dispelled.

Arcanist's Magic Aura 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The spell now splits by target: creatures only get Mask, and objects only get False Aura, so you no longer choose either effect on either kind of target. Mask now explicitly makes a creature count as a chosen creature type, and False Aura explicitly controls how magic detects an object’s aura.

Arcanist's Magic Aura popularity

Arcanist's Magic Aura is one of the rarest level 2 spells in the game. Choosing it will set you apart from all other casters.

Spells similar to Arcanist's Magic Aura

  • Nondetection 3rd-level abjuration

    Both hide a creature or object from magical senses and detection spells, serving the same stealthy utility purpose for wizards.

  • Sequester 7th-level transmutation

    This spell likewise removes a target from obvious detection and leaves it hidden until dispelled, offering a longer-term concealment effect.

  • Arcane Lock 2nd-level abjuration

    Arcane Lock alters how an object functions and is secured, similar to how the aura version of the target spell changes an object's apparent magical nature.

  • Seeming 5th-level illusion

    Seeming changes how many creatures appear to others for hours, which mirrors the target spell's creature-masking angle of changing perceived identity.

  • Disguise Self 1st-level illusion

    Both are illusion spells that change how a creature appears to observers, making them quick go-to options for deception.