D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Identify vs other editions

[Gwaihir]

It seems to me that 3.5 Identify spell is awfully powerful, especially as a first level spell, and especially relative to other editions.

Does anyone here use a older version of this spell instead of the 3.5? or has anyone redone it entirely?

 

[Infiniti2000]

Awfully powerful? No way. It's completely irrelevant by 11th level. If anything, it's underpowered. The component cost is almost prohibitive. One thing's for sure, though, it's far better in 3.5 than in other versions.

 

[starwed]

has anyone redone it entirely?

Yup. The most common revision seems to be to make it less powerful at identifying items, but reducing or eliminating the expensive component. Here's a thread on monte cook's boards about Identify, for some quick ideas.

 

[kenobi65]

One thing's for sure, though, it's far better in 3.5 than in other versions.

Agreed; in previous versions, it was practically worthless. "I spend 8 hours to find out one thing about this sword? And, even if I cast it again, I can't learn anything else?"

 

[Goldmoon]

Agreed; in previous versions, it was practically worthless. "I spend 8 hours to find out one thing about this sword? And, even if I cast it again, I can't learn anything else?"

Yeah, that used to suck.

 

[Nail]

My last group continued to use the spell until about 15th level, as we had no wizard - scrolls were "it". The 3.5e spell sucks at what it's supposed to do (identify run-of-the-mill magic items) and is Very Good at what it shouldn't do (identify one-of-a-kind plot-related magic devices).

Needless to say, we took full advantage of that last bit. It's kinda funny: published adventures (from WotC) usually completely forget about that spell. Heh, heh, heh.

 

[Vorput]

The spell stinks... after stumbling across a whole bunch of magic items (we were part of a group that raided a palace treasury), my poor wizard had to drink 8 pearl concoctions a day for a week....

Oh his poor, poor digestive system...

Vorp

 

[frankthedm]

3.0. and... Only available through Magic Domain. Domains are only available through gods that have them[no godless-pick-and-choose-domains clerics]. The two main choices are the hardline clergy of Marduk, god of pure incantations [LG favoring Law] and the open minded adherants of Tawil At Umar [CN aspect of Yog-Sothoth].

I will say however, the 3.5 version is basicly needed in a setting where buying and selling items is the norm.

 

[pawsplay]

The spell stinks... after stumbling across a whole bunch of magic items (we were part of a group that raided a palace treasury), my poor wizard had to drink 8 pearl concoctions a day for a week....

Oh his poor, poor digestive system...

Vorp

On the plus side, he'll have few wrinkles and live to be 100. I saw it on television!

My group recently discovered what had happened to identify in 3.5, much to my surprise. I was fine with it at first, but recently they've been identifying minor artifacts. It hasn't broken the game, though. I'm just annoyed that my artifacts aren't as secret anymore.

 

[zoroaster100]

I think that even the 3.5 version is too weak because of the too expensive material component. I identifying items should take a Knowledge(arcana) or Spellcraft check, and Identify should not require an expensive component, but simply provide a +10 bonus on the skill check to identify items.