Identify (spell) - Revision history

Tao alexis at 04:43, 2 February 2025

2025-02-02T04:43:36Z

Tao alexis at 04:39, 2 February 2025

2025-02-02T04:39:45Z

Tao alexis: /* Order of Knowledge */

2021-09-26T01:38:07Z

Order of Knowledge

Tao alexis at 01:33, 26 September 2021

2021-09-26T01:33:16Z

Tao alexis at 01:05, 26 September 2021

2021-09-26T01:05:12Z

Tao alexis at 01:02, 26 September 2021

2021-09-26T01:02:38Z

Tao alexis at 22:09, 25 September 2021

2021-09-25T22:09:19Z

Tao alexis at 03:39, 25 May 2020

2020-05-25T03:39:16Z

Tao alexis at 03:39, 25 May 2020

2020-05-25T03:39:00Z

Tao alexis at 03:37, 25 May 2020

2020-05-25T03:37:53Z

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 }}
 __TOC__
-All items have a place of origin, a function, and a previous owner or maker. Some items may also carry risks for those who use them, known as [[Malevolent Effect|malevolent effects]]. For each round that the spell remains active, there is a chance of uncovering one piece of knowledge about the item being examined. This chance is determined by a base 15% success rate, increasing by 5% per caster level, and is rolled separately each round. If the roll fails, nothing is revealed during that round.
+All items have a place of origin, a function and a previous owner or maker. Some items may also carry risks for those who use them, known as [[Malevolent Effect|malevolent effects]]. For each round that the spell remains active, there is a chance of uncovering one piece of knowledge about the item being examined. This chance is determined by a base 15% success rate, increasing by 5% per caster level, and is rolled separately each round. If the roll fails, nothing is revealed during that round.
-Any given item may possess special properties, including unique powers, intended purposes, hidden dangers, or specific circumstances related to its existence. The caster has a number of chances to discern these details equal to their caster level, with each round offering a new roll to determine success. The chance of uncovering each detail follows the formula 15% + 5% per level of the caster. As before, a failed roll provides no new information for that round.
+Any given item may possess special properties, including unique powers, intended purposes, hidden dangers or specific circumstances related to its existence. The caster has a number of chances to discern these details equal to their caster level, with each round offering a new roll to determine success. The chance of uncovering each detail follows the formula 15% + 5% per level of the caster. As before, a failed roll provides no new information for that round.
 : '''For example''', a 5th-level caster has a 40% chance per round to learn something about the item, with a total of five attempts. If the caster succeeds in three out of five rolls, then three separate details about the item are successfully revealed.
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 == Revealed Properties ==
-The Identify spell does not randomly reveal different properties with each casting—it follows a fixed order, meaning that repeated castings will continue to reveal the same initial properties until additional successful rolls allow the caster to push further into the object's hidden nature.
+The Identify spell does not randomly reveal different properties with each casting — it follows a fixed order, meaning that repeated castings will continue to reveal the same initial properties until additional successful rolls allow the caster to push further into the object's hidden nature.
 : '''For example,''' Aris, a 10th level mage, casts Identify on an unknown magical scepter. He has ten rounds to attempt to learn its properties, and with his level, he has a 65% chance per round to reveal one piece of information.  During this first casting, Aris succeeds on seven out of ten rolls. This means he learns seven properties of the scepter, which are revealed in a particular order.  Later, he casts identify again, to see if he can learn more; this time, however, he succeeds on four rolls before the spell ends. However, because the spell does not reveal properties randomly, these four successful rolls only confirm the first four details he already learned. The spell does not skip ahead to reveal new knowledge unless the mage surpasses his previous progress with additional successful rolls.
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 The strict progression of details about an object are given below.  Details about each category must be fully known before progressing to the next, preventing the spell from skipping over more mundane information.
-:: '''1. Dangers.'''  These are always the most pressing concern; this includes curses, malevolent effects, or harmful side effects, whether they take effect immediately or over time.  The most dangerous aspect of an item is learned last — but of course, if any power is learned, then the caster can be sure all dangerous effects are known.  If an item compels the user to act in a certain way, drains life force, or otherwise harms the bearer, these effects are the first to be uncovered.  Therefore, if anything is learned about the object, that it is safe to use is the most likely.
+:: '''1. Dangers.'''  These are always the most pressing concern; this includes curses, malevolent effects or harmful side effects, whether they take effect immediately or over time.  The most dangerous aspect of an item is learned last — but of course, if any power is learned, then the caster can be sure all dangerous effects are known.  If an item compels the user to act in a certain way, drains life force or otherwise harms the bearer, these effects are the first to be uncovered.  Therefore, if anything is learned about the object, that it is safe to use is the most likely.
 :: '''2. Powers.'''  This begins with the least formidable ability and moving upward in potency. If the item operates on a limited number of charges or has restrictions on daily use, this is the first aspect to be learned. A [[Weapon Bonus|weapon's bonus]] to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] & [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] is always revealed before any special properties. Only after the base properties are known will additional abilities be uncovered, such as a sword being a [[Flame Tongue (weapon)|flame tongue]] or possessing an increased bonus against [[Reptile|reptiles]], [[Giant|giants]], [[Dragon|dragons]] or other specific creatures.
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 :: '''3. Intended Purpose.'''  Once the functional aspects are revealed, the caster gains full knowledge of the item's intended purpose, treated as a single piece of information. This includes whether the object was designed for war, for ritual, for divine use or for any other specific role determined by its creator.
-:: '''4. History.'''  This is also provided as a single piece of information.  It includes the item's last known owner, along with information about where and when it was last lost or separated from its wielder. This detail may be particularly useful in uncovering the item's history, legend, or connection to a particular time or place.
+:: '''4. History.'''  This is also provided as a single piece of information.  It includes the item's last known owner, along with information about where and when it was last lost or separated from its wielder. This detail may be particularly useful in uncovering the item's history, legend or connection to a particular time or place.
-:: '''5. Additional Properties.'''  Finally, once all practical and historical knowledge has been revealed, any other details of significance may be learned. This could include unique craftsmanship, hidden inscriptions, or properties that do not fit within the previous categories but are still relevant to understanding the item.  These are treated as individual things, but should be important enough to warrant this knowledge being given.
+:: '''5. Additional Properties.'''  Finally, once all practical and historical knowledge has been revealed, any other details of significance may be learned. This could include unique craftsmanship, hidden inscriptions or properties that do not fit within the previous categories but are still relevant to understanding the item.  These are treated as individual things, but should be important enough to warrant this knowledge being given.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:Identify (spell).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
-'''Identity''' explains the make and purpose of magical or mundane items that are touched or handled by the caster.  Once the spell is in effect, the caster is protected from any effects or powers the item might possess.
+'''Identity''' reveals the nature and purpose of mundane or [[Magic Item|magical items]] that the caster touches or handles. Once the spell is active, the caster is shielded from any effects or powers the item may possess, ensuring that its properties can be examined without risk.
 {{Spelltable
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 | level = [[Mage 1st Level Spells|mage (1st)]]
 }}
-All items have a place of origin, a function and a previous owner or maker.  Some items will also include dangers that might accrue to the user, called [[Malevolent Effect|malevolent effects]].  For each round of the spell's duration, one piece of knowledge has a chance of being known.  This chance is equal to 15%, plus 5% per level of the caster, rolled each round.  A failed roll reveals nothing.
+__TOC__
-Any item may have, as part of its existence, certain powers, purposes for its creation, dangers that might accrue to the user, circumstances surrounding its existence and so on. The caster of identify has a percentage chance to know one such detail per level of the caster.  The chance of success equals 15% +5% per level.  If the roll in a given round fails, nothing that round is learned.
+Any given item may possess special properties, including unique powers, intended purposes, hidden dangers, or specific circumstances related to its existence. The caster has a number of chances to discern these details equal to their caster level, with each round offering a new roll to determine success. The chance of uncovering each detail follows the formula 15% + 5% per level of the caster. As before, a failed roll provides no new information for that round.
-: '''For example''', a 5th level caster has a 40% chance of learning something each round, with a total of five chances.  If the mage succeeds in 3 of 5 rolls, then three details about the item are learned.
+: '''For example''', a 5th-level caster has a 40% chance per round to learn something about the item, with a total of five attempts. If the caster succeeds in three out of five rolls, then three separate details about the item are successfully revealed.
-[[Artifacts (list)|Artifacts]] are subject to the identify spell like any other object.
+[[Artifacts (list)|Artifacts]] are subject to the identify spell like any other object.  While artifacts are often treated as exceptional in AD&D, and some possess unique resistances or unusual activation methods, there is no blanket rule stating that spells — including Identify — automatically fail or are ineffective when used on them.  The fact that these objects are shrouded in secrecy is irrelevant; but because they do have so many powers, it would require a high level wizard using identify to discover them all by this method.
-== Order of Knowledge ==
+== Revealed Properties ==
-The order in which details are learned is listed below; all details of each category is learned before the next category is learned.
+The Identify spell does not randomly reveal different properties with each casting—it follows a fixed order, meaning that repeated castings will continue to reveal the same initial properties until additional successful rolls allow the caster to push further into the object's hidden nature.
-:'''1.'''  Dangers which the item possesses for the user, from the most dangerous to the least.
+: '''For example,''' Aris, a 10th level mage, casts Identify on an unknown magical scepter. He has ten rounds to attempt to learn its properties, and with his level, he has a 65% chance per round to reveal one piece of information.  During this first casting, Aris succeeds on seven out of ten rolls. This means he learns seven properties of the scepter, which are revealed in a particular order.  Later, he casts identify again, to see if he can learn more; this time, however, he succeeds on four rolls before the spell ends. However, because the spell does not reveal properties randomly, these four successful rolls only confirm the first four details he already learned. The spell does not skip ahead to reveal new knowledge unless the mage surpasses his previous progress with additional successful rolls.
-:'''2.'''  The item's least formidable power, then so on up through each ability upwards through potency.  If the item has a set number of charges or number of times it can be used, then this should be the first detail that's learned.  A [[Weapon Bonus|weapon's bonus]] to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] & [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] should be known first before special details about the weapon are learned, such as it being a "[[Flame Tongue (weapon)|flame tongue]]" or having a higher bonus against [[Reptile|reptiles]], [[Giant|giants]], [[Dragon|dragons]] and so on.
+This maintains the power of higher level casters to successfully identify the properties of more difficult items like artifacts, while not artificially changing the premise of the spell.
-:'''3.''' Full knowledge of the item's intended purpose, treated as one detail.
+=== Order of Knowledge Given ===
-:'''4.''' Knowledge of the item's last owner, along with when and where the item was lost, treated as one detail.
+:: '''1. Dangers.'''  These are always the most pressing concern; this includes curses, malevolent effects, or harmful side effects, whether they take effect immediately or over time.  The most dangerous aspect of an item is learned last — but of course, if any power is learned, then the caster can be sure all dangerous effects are known.  If an item compels the user to act in a certain way, drains life force, or otherwise harms the bearer, these effects are the first to be uncovered.  Therefore, if anything is learned about the object, that it is safe to use is the most likely.
-:'''5.''' Other details about the item that might matter.
+:: '''2. Powers.'''  This begins with the least formidable ability and moving upward in potency. If the item operates on a limited number of charges or has restrictions on daily use, this is the first aspect to be learned. A [[Weapon Bonus|weapon's bonus]] to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] & [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] is always revealed before any special properties. Only after the base properties are known will additional abilities be uncovered, such as a sword being a [[Flame Tongue (weapon)|flame tongue]] or possessing an increased bonus against [[Reptile|reptiles]], [[Giant|giants]], [[Dragon|dragons]] or other specific creatures.
-Once a given caster has attempted to identify a particular item, further knowledge of that specific item cannot be learned until the caster has gained an experience level.  If the spell is used again at that time, the order of details should proceed beyond what the caster already knows.
+:: '''3. Intended Purpose.'''  Once the functional aspects are revealed, the caster gains full knowledge of the item's intended purpose, treated as a single piece of information. This includes whether the object was designed for war, for ritual, for divine use or for any other specific role determined by its creator.
-[[Category: Magical Spells]][[Category: Don't Review until 2022]]
+:: '''5. Additional Properties.'''  Finally, once all practical and historical knowledge has been revealed, any other details of significance may be learned. This could include unique craftsmanship, hidden inscriptions, or properties that do not fit within the previous categories but are still relevant to understanding the item.  These are treated as individual things, but should be important enough to warrant this knowledge being given.

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 : '''For example''', a 5th level caster has a 40% chance of learning something each round, with a total of five chances.  If the mage succeeds in 3 of 5 rolls, then three details about the item are learned.
 == Order of Knowledge ==
 The order in which details are learned is listed below; all details of each category is learned before the next category is learned.
-'''1.'''  Dangers which the item possesses for the user, from the most dangerous to the least.
+:'''1.'''  Dangers which the item possesses for the user, from the most dangerous to the least.
-'''2.'''  The item's least formidable power, then so on up through each ability upwards through potency.  If the item has a set number of charges or number of times it can be used, then this should be the first detail that's learned.  A [[Weapon Bonus|weapon's bonus]] to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] & [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] should be known first before special details about the weapon are learned, such as it being a "[[Flame Tongue (weapon)|flame tongue]]" or having a higher bonus against [[Reptile|reptiles]], [[Giant|giants]], [[Dragon|dragons]] and so on.
+:'''2.'''  The item's least formidable power, then so on up through each ability upwards through potency.  If the item has a set number of charges or number of times it can be used, then this should be the first detail that's learned.  A [[Weapon Bonus|weapon's bonus]] to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] & [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] should be known first before special details about the weapon are learned, such as it being a "[[Flame Tongue (weapon)|flame tongue]]" or having a higher bonus against [[Reptile|reptiles]], [[Giant|giants]], [[Dragon|dragons]] and so on.
-'''3.''' Full knowledge of the item's intended purpose, treated as one detail.
+:'''3.''' Full knowledge of the item's intended purpose, treated as one detail.
-'''4.''' Knowledge of the item's last owner, along with when and where the item was lost, treated as one detail.
+:'''4.''' Knowledge of the item's last owner, along with when and where the item was lost, treated as one detail.
-'''5.''' Other details about the item that might matter.
+:'''5.''' Other details about the item that might matter.
 Once a given caster has attempted to identify a particular item, further knowledge of that specific item cannot be learned until the caster has gained an experience level.  If the spell is used again at that time, the order of details should proceed beyond what the caster already knows.
-[[Artifacts (list)|Artifacts]] are subject to the identify spell like any other object.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:Identify (spell).jpg|right|490px|thumb]]
-'''Identity''' explains the make and purpose of magical or mundane items that are touched or handled by the caster.
+'''Identity''' explains the make and purpose of magical or mundane items that are touched or handled by the caster.  Once the spell is in effect, the caster is protected from any effects or powers the item might possess.
 {{Spelltable
 | name = Identify
 | range = touch
-| duration = 1 round per level
+| duration = 1 [[Combat Round|round]] per [[Experience Level|level]]
 | area of effect = 1 item
 | casting time = 5 rounds
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 | level = [[Mage 1st Level Spells|mage (1st)]]
 }}
-Once the spell is in effect, the caster cannot be affected by the item being examined, whatever the item's power.
+All items have a place of origin, a function and a previous owner or maker.  Some items will also include dangers that might accrue to the user, called [[Malevolent Effect|malevolent effects]].  For each round of the spell's duration, one piece of knowledge has a chance of being known.  This chance is equal to 15%, plus 5% per level of the caster, rolled each round.  A failed roll reveals nothing.
-Any item may have, as part of its existence, certain powers, purposes for its creation, dangers that might accrue to the user, circumstances surrounding its existence and so on. The caster of identify has a percentage chance to know one such detail per level of the caster. The chance of success equals 15% +5% per level.
+Any item may have, as part of its existence, certain powers, purposes for its creation, dangers that might accrue to the user, circumstances surrounding its existence and so on. The caster of identify has a percentage chance to know one such detail per level of the caster.  The chance of success equals 15% +5% per level.  If the roll in a given round fails, nothing that round is learned.
-As an example, a 5th level mage rolls the percentage dice five times, each time having a 40% chance of success. The mage succeeds three times ~ and thus learns three details about the item being identified.
+: '''For example''', a 5th level caster has a 40% chance of learning something each round, with a total of five chances.  If the mage succeeds in 3 of 5 rolls, then three details about the item are learned.
-The order of details known is as follows:
+== Order of Knowledge ==
-:*Any possible dangers the item possesses for the user.
+The order in which details are learned is listed below; all details of each category is learned before the next category is learned.
-Once the caster has attempted to identify a particular item, another application of identify will produce no further information about the same object until the caster has increased in experience level.
+'''1.'''  Dangers which the item possesses for the user, from the most dangerous to the least.
-[[Artifacts (list)|Artifacts]] are immune to the identify spell.
+'''2.'''  The item's least formidable power, then so on up through each ability upwards through potency.  If the item has a set number of charges or number of times it can be used, then this should be the first detail that's learned.  A [[Weapon Bonus|weapon's bonus]] to [[Attacking in Combat|attack]] & [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] should be known first before special details about the weapon are learned, such as it being a "[[Flame Tongue (weapon)|flame tongue]]" or having a higher bonus against [[Reptile|reptiles]], [[Giant|giants]], [[Dragon|dragons]] and so on.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:05, 26 September 2021
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	'''Identity''' explains the make and purpose of magical or mundane items that are touched or handled by the caster.		'''Identity''' explains the make and purpose of magical or mundane items that are touched or handled by the caster.

		+	{{Spelltable
		+	\| name = Identify
		+	\| range = touch
		+	\| duration = 1 round per level
		+	\| area of effect = 1 item
		+	\| casting time = 5 rounds
		+	\| save = none
		+	\| level = [[Mage 1st Level Spells\|mage (1st)]]
		+	}}
	Once the spell is in effect, the caster cannot be affected by the item being examined, whatever the item's power.		Once the spell is in effect, the caster cannot be affected by the item being examined, whatever the item's power.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:09, 25 September 2021
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		+	[[File:Identify (spell).jpg\|right\|490px\|thumb]]
	Determines the structure and purpose of a magical or mundane item that is touched or handled by the caster. Once the spell is in effect, the caster cannot be affected by the item being examined, whatever the item's power.		Determines the structure and purpose of a magical or mundane item that is touched or handled by the caster. Once the spell is in effect, the caster cannot be affected by the item being examined, whatever the item's power.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:39, 25 May 2020
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	Once the caster has attempted to identify a particular item, another application of identify will produce no further information about the same object until the caster has increased in experience level.		Once the caster has attempted to identify a particular item, another application of identify will produce no further information about the same object until the caster has increased in experience level.

−	Artifacts are immune to the identify spell.	+	[[Artifacts (list)\|Artifacts]] are immune to the identify spell.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:39, 25 May 2020
Line 13:		Line 13:

	Once the caster has attempted to identify a particular item, another application of identify will produce no further information about the same object until the caster has increased in experience level.		Once the caster has attempted to identify a particular item, another application of identify will produce no further information about the same object until the caster has increased in experience level.
		+
		+	Artifacts are immune to the identify spell.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 25 May 2020
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−	~~Placeholder~~.	+	Determines the structure and purpose of a magical or mundane item that is touched or handled by the caster. Once the spell is in effect, the caster cannot be affected by the item being examined, whatever the item's power.
		+
		+	Any item may have, as part of its existence, certain powers, purposes for its creation, dangers that might accrue to the user, circumstances surrounding its existence and so on. The caster of identify has a percentage chance to know one such detail per level of the caster. The chance of success equals 15% +5% per level.
		+
		+	As an example, a 5th level mage rolls the percentage dice five times, each time having a 40% chance of success. The mage succeeds three times ~ and thus learns three details about the item being identified.
		+
		+	The order of details known is as follows:
		+	:*Any possible dangers the item possesses for the user.
		+	:*The item's least powerful ability, then so on up through each ability upwards through power. Note that regarding objects with a set number of charges or uses, this number is treated as a separate detail, and will be known before the ability is known. The same is true with a bonus weapon, which might also be a "flame tongue" or similar addition: these would be treated as two pieces of information.
		+	:*A full discussion about the item's intended purpose (treated as one detail).
		+	:*Details about each previous user of the item, including when or where the item was lost if that is the case.
		+	:*Other details about the item that might matter.
		+
		+	Once the caster has attempted to identify a particular item, another application of identify will produce no further information about the same object until the caster has increased in experience level.