Staves - Use Question

[Wystan]

We have a Battlemage in our group, we have a staff with Divination magics on it (Identify and such). Does the battlemage need to know the spells stored in the staff to use it?

What if it were a rod?

 

[Infiniti2000]

We have a Battlemage in our group, we have a staff with Divination magics on it (Identify and such). Does the battlemage need to know the spells stored in the staff to use it?

No, the spells merely need to be on his class spell list. Having UMD would also work.

What if it were a rod?

Almost anyone can use a rod, but:

"Details relating to rod use vary from item to item. See the individual descriptions for specifics."

So, show me the rod description you're talking about and I'll let you know if the character can use it.