Identify spell clarification

[kengar]

The spell determines the single most basic function of each magic item, including how to activate that function (if appropriate), and how many charges are left (if any). For example, a +2 vorpal sword, a +2 dancing sword, and a +2 sword would all register as "+2 to attack and damage rolls."

How are you supposed to read the above in bold? That activation and charges left are both considered "Basic" functions or that the spell will tell you the function as well as charges & how to activate (if applicable)?

 

[AGGEMAM]

How are you supposed to read the above in bold? That activation and charges left are both considered "Basic" functions or that the spell will tell you the function as well as charges & how to activate (if applicable)?

Why does it matter ?

 

[dkilgo]

Yeah, why does it matter?

What are you trying to achieve?

 

[bret]

It could matter for something like a Flaming +1 weapon.

The most basic function would be the +1 enhancement.

The flaming function requires a command word to activate, although I've seen any number of people play it as use activated.

This sort of thing could happen any time the item has more than one function, some of which are use activated while others are command activated. I just used the first example that I could think of.


The way we have been playing it is you get up to three pieces of information:

1. Most basic function of the item
2. Number of charges remaining, if applicable
3. Command word / how to activate if appropriate
   [/list=1]

 

[AGGEMAM]

Oh yeah, ditto !

 

[dkilgo]

duh!?

I agree....

 

[kengar]

The way we have been playing it is you get up to three pieces of information:

1. Most basic function of the item
2. Number of charges remaining, if applicable
3. Command word / how to activate if appropriate
   [/list=1]

1. 
   
   Good enough! I'll run it that way.
   
   I'm mostly just trying to keep from giving too much info away with the spell. I don't want to screw the players over, but I don't want to give the whole show away either.