D&D 5E Detect Magic vs. Magic Items

[Rya.Reisender]

Does Detect Magic detect all magic items? What is the school of magic of each magic item? Do you need to be able to see the magic item to learn its school of magic? If there are multiple magical effects and magic items around, will the caster be able to detect what they are or will he just know "There are magical effects nearby"?

 

[AaronOfBarbaria]

Does Detect Magic detect all magic items?

All those which have not had their magical aura hidden, or specific properties that prevent such detection, yes.

What is the school of magic of each magic item?

Magic items don't need to have schools of magic, that's why detect magic says "...and you learn its school of magic, if any."

Do you need to be able to see the magic item to learn its school of magic?

According to the text of the spell, seeing an aura around a creature or object that bears magic does require sight (though, again, magic items don't have, nor need, a school).

If there are multiple magical effects and magic items around, will the caster be able to detect what they are or will he just know "There are magical effects nearby"?

While the spell is active the caster will just know that there is magic within 30', but then the caster can take an action and see auras around any visible creature or object that bears magic.

 

[Rya.Reisender]

I was thinking that maybe you use a certain type of magic to create the magic item, so the magic item will emit that school of magic (enhancement?).

Thanks for the replies.

 

[jayoungr]

I was thinking that maybe you use a certain type of magic to create the magic item, so the magic item will emit that school of magic (enhancement?).

You definitely could do that for your game world. I think it would be pretty cool.