How to use Detect Thoughts on PCs

[Skyblaze]

First time DMing, going to have an NPC here soon who uses detect thoughts frequently. How does one handle this? If they learn about it, how would they defend against it?

[Ventruenox]

Late night sessions with Severus Snape.

Otherwise: Mind Blank spell, Mystic Discipline Intellect Foretress, or GOOlock Thought Shield ability.

Tin Foil hats (or a thin sheet of lead) can also provide protection.

[Dragolord]

The simplest way would just to let him listen to their out-of-character conversations, if occasionally asking them what they think about something would be too suspicious. As for defending their mental privacy, stabbing the perpetrator is the usual way to go.

[Nifft]

The simplest way would just to let him listen to their out-of-character conversations

"Who is this apparently famous Monty of Python?"

[Tanarii]

For starters, you're going to have to think about how the PC will react when it casts the spell. It's only one minute duration, but its theoretically possible to do it out of sight then move to where you can see your target. It can also search for thoughts of course, but it won't be able to pick out a specific character if it does that.

Then you have to decide if it's going to probe. They'll know instantly if it probes for anything other that surface thoughts.

The quickest way to defend against it is to move further than 30ft away, or behind a solid enough barrier.

Another obvious option is to tell them to stop, with threats as to what's going to happen if they don't.

IMO the spell is best use for scouting or against captured enemies. An NPC doing it to Pcs is likely to precipitate violence. Or that just could be my players. :smallamused:

[Breashios]

Most societies would probably have some type of prohibition on reading another's thoughts outside of court or other ritual times.

It would be up to you as the DM to determine what those cultural norms would be and how society would regularly react. It would be too late to bring this up if you are using it in an encounter now (as the timing of giving out this information would make the players aware of your intention), but immediately after a character should become aware, be prepared to let them know what, if any, recourse is appropriate in the local area.