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One NPC casts a detect thoughts spell before meeting with the PC. Once with the PC, he starts using detect thoughts to read the minds of the PC around him.

One of the PCs happens to have a detect magic spell active and is concentrating on the area.

What will the detect magic spell reveal? Will the NPC show a magical aura due to the functioning detect thoughts spell?

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    \$\begingroup\$ Just so I can determine what the question's asking, is there something about the spell detect thoughts in particular that leads to the belief that a detect magic spell would or could not pick up the spell's aura? Or is there something else going on here, like the idea that detect thoughts is an area (emanation) spell or something? \$\endgroup\$ – Hey I Can Chan Oct 5 '18 at 19:38
  • \$\begingroup\$ I believe casting detect thought that allows you to read other people's mind is kind of enchanting yourself with a spell, so you would radiate a magical aura for the duration of the spell if detect magic is used, whether you use the spell to read minds, or not. But this has raised some arguments I would like to have your opinion \$\endgroup\$ – KilrathiSly Oct 5 '18 at 19:44
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    \$\begingroup\$ O, okay. So the question's more along the lines of Does an ongoing magic effect possess a magic aura even if the caster isn't currently actively using that ongoing magic effect? or something? \$\endgroup\$ – Hey I Can Chan Oct 5 '18 at 20:07
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Yes, it can.

Detect thoughts is a spell with a school and duration like any other. I see no textual reference why it would not be detectable by detect magic, which should reveal presence of a magic aura, then number, then strength, location and school (Divination, on a spellcraft check) as normal.

Note, when the caster casts the spell is what's important. The caster would be concentrating the entire time on maintaining the spell, regardless if they are probing thoughts. I think the word "use" here may be the cause of your confusion. Consider: "Presence or absence of magic".

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