Class Features Disguised as Spells

[tjoneslo]

Universal:Read Magic

I'm thinking that Read Magic should simply be an always-on ability for any prepared spellcaster, and possibly some spontaneous casters as well (particularly Bards). Detect Magic I see functioning more or less like the Shugenja's Sense Elements class feature-- requiring a Spellcraft check and concentration.

For many settings I let "Magic" be another language, spend one skill point in read/write/speak language and you can read it. No spell needed, feat, or class feature needed. With the D20 skill system other, non-casting classes can learn the language as a cross-class skill.

GURPS has an advantage called Magery, which is the ability to cast spells. Along with the Magery ability comes a detect magic like abilty which requires a skill roll. In a high magic world I would let an arcane spell caster make a spellcrafting roll to detect some kinds of magic, particularly if they had specialised into schools.