Read Magic as a feat, not a spell

[DungeonmasterCal]

I've been thinking of a feat that can be used for spellcasters rather than use up a 0-level spell slot. It'd go something like this:

Read Magic (General)
Prerequisites: Knowledge (Arcana) 1 rank, Spellcraft 1 rank, Int 10+, ability to read and write any language
Benefit: This feat allows the viewer to unlock the mystic secrets held in magical writings. Simply reading silently will not cause the spell to be imprinted in a caster's mind, nor will it cause it to be cast while being read (although reading it aloud will).
Special: Non-spellcasters may take this feat, though it in no way enables them to cast the spell without at least a level in one spell-casting class. If a non-spell caster with this feat reads a spell aloud, it simply disappears from the medium on which it was written.

Thoughts, criticisms, sycophantic praise?

 

[DanMcS]

From the SRD:

DC 20 + spell level
Decipher a written spell (such as a scroll) without using read magic. One try per day. Requires a full-round action.

Seems like what you want is already a use of the skill.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

Ya know...after I posted that, It occurred to me that there was already a mechanic for it. I'm at work, so I didn't have time to go look for it. Thanks!

 

[Li Shenron]

On the other hand, a feat like this still makes sense. It could allow anyone (even non-spellcaster eventually) with enough Int and a few skill points spent, to cast a cantrip at will.

Read Magic allows automatic success in deciphering any spell, no matter your rank in Spellcraft (which may not be enough, and if you fail you have to wait next day), and allows for a couple of extra uses as well.

 

[Naathez]

Personally, I plan on NOT USING read magic in the next campaign I'll DM. In the sense that I don't plan on it EXISTING. I plan on only using the Decipher spell mechanic. I am sure there are tons of good reasons for the spell to exist... but I don't see them. Besides, I think that removing it allows one to decide that magical notations are MORE differentiated by styles of magic and personal use, although they follow CERTAIN rules that are common, in that they describe a same TYPE of phenomenon - magic.
I always felt the existence of the universal translator for magic script lessened it a little. I may be wrong, of course.

As for the thread topic, well, I think the existing mechanics render the feat not really necessary.

 

[Li Shenron]

I always felt the existence of the universal translator for magic script lessened it a little. I may be wrong, of course.

Usually it is played that you decipher Scrolls (the DMG specific spell completion items), Glyphs of Warding and Symbols.

IMHO it is still up to the DM whether the spell is supposed to work with other sort of magical writings.