D&D 3E/3.5 3.5 Identify

[Gwaihir]

Can anyone tell me. When a character is using the identify spell, is he subject a curse carried by the item?

Example Vacuous Grimoire?

Thanks

 

[Dandu]

Don't believe so.

 

[Celebrim]

Can anyone tell me. When a character is using the identify spell, is he subject a curse carried by the item?

Example Vacuous Grimoire?

Thanks

Only if the curse is released merely by touching the item, since touching is a requirement of targeting the spell.

Since the Vacuous Grimoire requires more interaction than a mere touch, it can be identified safely.

 

[frankthedm]

Vacuous Grimoire
A book of this sort looks like a normal one on some mildly interesting topic. Any character who opens the work and reads so much as a single word therein must make two DC 15 Will saves. The first is to determine if the reader takes 1 point of permanent Intelligence drain. The second is to find out if the reader takes 2 points of permanent Wisdom drain. To destroy the book, a character must burn it while casting remove curse. If the grimoire is placed with other books, its appearance instantly alters to conform to the look of those other works.

Strong enchantment; CL 20th; Craft Wondrous Item, feeblemind; Price 6,000 gp.

Nasty little item, certainly sucks to have one's stats whacked because Gygax had to take a cheap shot at The Arduin Grimoire.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Remember, though, that an identify spell has only a 1% per caster level chance of revealing a cursed item's true properties, including the cursed aspect. (DMG, page 274.)