Detecting and identifing Magic items

[Belares]

Is there a good thread to go that clarifies the detecting and identifing of magic/magic items? I will ask this but if there isa thread please tell me.

Can you take ten to detect magic in an area or just say as a passive skill you can do it?

If you can take ten to detect magic then you shouldbe able to as a rule identify it as well since it is the same DC.

I also think in the book it states under identifing magic items you can during a short rest determine what the item can do. Does this mean ANYONE can do this or just trained skilled people that have arcana can do it. If so do you need to make a roll at all? It is a bit unclear about it and just wat to get a clarafication.

 

[Steve Jung]

Can you take ten to detect magic in an area or just say as a passive skill you can do it?

If you can take ten to detect magic then you shouldbe able to as a rule identify it as well since it is the same DC.

Taking 10 on an Arcana check to detect magic is allowed as long as the character isn't in an encounter. Of course the DM may not regard detecting magic as a mundane task. Allowing passive Arcana checks is up to the DM.

I also think in the book it states under identifing magic items you can during a short rest determine what the item can do. Does this mean ANYONE can do this or just trained skilled people that have arcana can do it. If so do you need to make a roll at all? It is a bit unclear about it and just wat to get a clarafication.

Yep anyone may identify a magic item during a short rest. Unless your DM decides otherwise, but usually only for powerful or nonstandard items. No roll necessary.