Notes on identification of magical and unusual items.

The identify spell allows the identification of magic items. (The detect magic spell does not.)

Some of the properties of some kinds of magic items may be identified without using identify. Many use-activated magic items provide a continuous effect that can be perceived almost immediately; other items provide a situational effect that becomes evident in the right circumstances. Similarly, the effects of enhancement bonuses on weapons or armor becomes noticeable once the wielder or wearer uses the item in combat. The effects of some items are seen as well as felt as soon as the item is put on. In some cases, the DM may call for a Wisdom check (usually with a DC of 5 or 10) to notice an item’s effects.

Other sorts of items have buttons, levers, or other obvious ways to interact with the item, and so some or all of their properties may be discovered by experimentation.

Some magic items are enchanted to telepathically inform a character of their nature and function when he wields or dons the item. Some items have inscriptions, runes, or other markings that bear clues about the item’s function.

Alchemical items cannot be identified with the identify spell. See the section “Identifying alchemical items”, on the Alchemical crafting page, for information about identifying alchemical items.

The identify spell also does not reveal the command words for wands and similar items, nor other special or unique means of activation. Command words may occasionally be inscribed on the item itself; more often, they will have to be discovered separately. If no records are found that reveal the item’s means of activation, divination spells may be required to discover how to use the item.