Identify update

[xXCrystal_Rose]

This spell pretty much just doesn't get used. It isn't something that can be anticipated for and people who can cast it generally have lore anyway or access to someone. It's great in potion form for warrior types but as a casted spell it doesn't provide much.

My suggestion is for spellcasters with GSF divination it also applies a lore bonus like how the default Identify spell would. A specialist divination wizard (who loses the access to Illusion spells) might get a little extra bonus or duration.

It is very brief in duration so can't really be taken advantage of for alchemy- I think. At least they'd have to be very fast and will run out of spell slots quickly if so. With a lore bonus it can be prepared when the character is entering the unknown or knows they will be seeking hidden knowledge. This can be roleplayed as a divine insight, brief premonition, a sudden recollection, a foul influence's whispering, a magical translation. Those are some examples that come immediately, but surely there are many ways to rp it.

The duration may perhaps need to be shortened even less than two rounds if this change is adopted. It wouldn't be right for someone to use identify and try to power through a ten page book. That's what the longer lasting Legend Lore ought to be for. Something to work on one specific tricky page that they're right on the cusp of however is another story.

[Stranger]

For the meanwhile, I would like to recommend that diviners try to use this spell above and beyond its mechanical function in the presence of Dungeon Masters. I always kept at least one casting prepared in case I ever noticed a creative opportunity to do exactly that.

Still, some sort of skill bonus would go a long way for its usefulness.

Is it reasonably possible to script it to only apply to the next lore roll the caster makes?

[Knight Of Pentacles]

Diviners need luvin' 2. Like a lesser legend lore.

[goate]

Is it reasonably possible to script it to only apply to the next lore roll the caster makes?

Even if it is possible, with the more difficult lore checks in the module this wouldn't be helpful.  The multiple-page books usually have two pages of meaningless cruft that have lower-DC lore checks.  These two pages would burn away the advantage you're proposing.  Unless you can cast identify while in the middle of reading - I don't think you can.

It's a fun idea in theory though.  I like the thought of giving some love to diviners.

[TroublesomeTree]

If you were to apply the lore check to a set number of rolls, having it be 2 or 3 base and more than that with SF and GSF would be nifty. It'd let dedicated diviners read those books more easily, but only give others a passing chance to get started.