Can you identify an Epic Spell?

[Three_Haligonians]

I was browsing through the Epic Level Handbook when I had a funny thought:

Spellcraft check DC: 15 will tell you what spell is being cast (provided you can see and hear and whatnot). DC: 20 will let you know what spell you just saved against, these things are all well and good for spells 1 through 9 but what about Epic Spells?

Technically speaking, Epic Spells are treated as 10th lvl spells when they need to be so it would be DC:25 to identify one being cast and maybe you could do that with the Epic Spells provided, i.e. LOOK OUT! IT'S A HELLBALL!! but what about ones that characters have come up with themselves?

If a wizard generates her own Epic Spell that causes all metal to rust in a five mile radius, how exactly can the opposing Sorcerer identify the spell as it is cast and then know what it is?

Should Epic Spells be un-identifyable?

Any thoughts on how to appease my ramblings would be welcome.

J from Three Haligonians

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Well, here's how I do it to begin with.

First, keep in mind that spells aren't really standardized to begin with. When I cast Magic Missile, I do so differently than when you cast Magic Missile. If I'm an elven wizard, perhaps my spell causes a glowing golden bow to appear which fires a number of unerring arrows, whereas the human necromancer tosses screaming skulls.

That's why you need to make Spellcraft checks to identify spells to begin with, and you don't so much identify the spell as realize which form of magical construct is being created. Obviously, the elven wizard's use of material, somatic, and verbal components is different than the human's (as is evident from the different magical effects), but a successful Spellcraft check allows either to identify the spell as being a minor Force evocation of the 1st-sphere, designed to throw unerring daggers of magical energy.

We metagame and tell the player, "It's a magic missile spell," because most players understand that as shorthand for the more lengthy description.

When you're dealing with an unknown spell - either because the player isn't experienced enough to translate from the spell name into game terms or because it's a brand-new spell - I just revert to the more lengthy description.

Accordingly, treat individualized Epic spells as brand-new 10th-level spells. "It's an Epic Evocation, using the Fire and BOOM! seeds, and it looks like it will cause a destructive fire rain in a 400 mile radius."

 

[Three_Haligonians]

Whew!

...........I am utterly appeased.

(And impressed!)

Thanks!

J from Three Haligonians

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Welcome!

That's also why I think the feat Spell Thematics is the dumbest idea ever.