Identify

Divination

• • Level Magic-user 1

  • Components V, S, M

  • Casting Time 10 rounds

  • Range Touch

  • Area of Effect One object

  • Duration Instantaneous

  • Save nil

The caster discovers the nature of a magic item.

• If the target is a magic item* included in the lists found in the Magic Item Tables, it will be identified as the correct item. * The items excluded are potions (including magical oils), scrolls (or any other written magic items), artifacts/relics, or cursed items. Cursed items may register falsely as other magical items (and there is no chance to determine otherwise). In addition, some non-cursed items will also register as other (typically lesser) magic items. Also, see Attunement, below.

• Potions (including magical oils), written magic items, or artifacts (including relics) do not register any properties as it relates to this spell.

• If the magical item is a unique item (not included in the lists), the mage will discover 1 property per caster level on a successful special caster level check. The check is normally 5% per caster level of the identify spell (e.g. a 5th level caster will succeed on a 01-25 on a d% to determine up to 5 special abilities granted by the [unique/custom] item) to a maximum of 95%. A result of 95-00 on the check means a false reading will occur [per the GM]). Roll once per item.

• During the casting time, someone, whether the caster of the identify spell, or another (nearby, as the caster must touch the item), must "test" the item by donning it, swinging it, or otherwise using it in a test. This "test" may have implications on the user (particularly if the item is cursed). 

• Attunement. If an item requires attunement, the item cannot be a target of this spell unless attunement is achieved. The caster of the identify spell will know which items require attunement once all of the strictures of the spell have been met and the spell is ready to be cast.

• Charges. Any charges and maximum number of charges will be known (for unique items, if a successful check is made).

• Command Words or Activation Processes. If a command word or unique activation sequence (particularly for unique items, but other examples include rings of elemental command) is required to use the item, these will not be learned by the caster of the identify spell. Higher level spells or mundane discovery techniques must be employed to discover such information. 

Limitations 

• This spell can be cast only once per day per caster.

• Once cast on a particular item, the identify spell cannot be cast on that item again by the same spell caster until they have gained an experience level (in their mage-spell casting class).

Materials Components. A gem (or pearl) worth at least 100 g.p. crushed and steeped in wine, stirred with an owl's feather (consumed by the caster during the casting). Cost/Scarcity. 100 g.p./Uncommon.

Known Substitutions. If a luckstone is used in place of the gem, no testing of the item is necessary and cursed items will be identified as such, automatically. All proprieties will discovered (automatically), even if the item is unique.