Detect Magic is Dead

[JVisgaitis]

Looks like Detect Magic is dead. This is the first change that I'm not so sure about.

Most of the time, you can determine the properties and powers of a magic item during a short rest. In the course of handling the item for a few minutes, you discover what the item is and what it does. You can identify one magic item per short rest.

Some magic items might be a bit harder to identify, such as cursed or nonstandard items, or powerful magical artifacts. Your DM might ask for an Arcana check to determine their properties, or you might even need to go on a special quest to find a ritual to identify or to unlock the powers of a unique item.

Rules-wise, it makes sense. Fluff-wise, I like that mages are the only ones that understand all of the magic stuff. Probably won't be too hard to retrofit if I decide to do so. Thoughts?

 

[neceros]

Surely, you mean the Identify spell?

 

[phil500]

Probably won't be too hard to retrofit if I decide to do so. Thoughts?

How about a Knowledge arcana check with DC 10+item level?

I like making the wizard the one who people give their stuff to and say "what does this do" and then the wiz can remember some story or something.

 

[Thanee]

I definitely like that it is a skill-use to identify not a spell.

There should be spells that assist the skill and make it easier for really hard tasks (artifacts and such), but for simple items a mage should be able to determine what they do with some time and the use of a skill.

I also don't think non-mages should be able to figure out what an item does, except through conventional means (trial and error; using an item and getting a feel for what it does; and so on).

Bye
Thanee

 

[Mort_Q]

Surely, you mean the Identify spell?

One would assume.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

I really like the idea that most items can be identified by any character - it saves a lot of time and effort whilst everyone sits around waiting for the Wizard (or Bard, or whoever) to identify their items.

It's also worth noting that the DM is explicitly told that they can make it harder (requiring Arcana checks, rituals etc) if they want to.

 

[Wormwood]

Surely, you mean the Identify spell?

Yeah, I think he's confused.

Identify is "Mister DM, can you pretty please with sugar on top reveal your oh-so clever divine mysteries to us unworthy supplicants? Amen".

Whereas Detect Magic is the radar you use on a pile of loot to determine what you take home and what you leave to rot.

 

[Mort_Q]

Whereas Detect Magic is the radar you use on a pile of loot to determine what you take home and what you leave to rot.

Or whom to sic the strikers on first.

 

[JVisgaitis]

Surely, you mean the Identify spell?

Yep, my bad...

 

[Wormwood]

Or whom to sick the strikers on first.

Conceded.