Skip to main content

Identify

Divination
Level: 1st-level
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Duration: Instantaneous
Components: V, S, M
Materials: A pearl worth at least 100gp and an owl feather.

You choose one object that you must touch throughout the casting of the spell. If it is a magic item or some other magic-imbued object, you learn its properties and how to use them, whether it requires attunement to use, and how many charges it has, if any. You learn whether any spells are affecting the item and what they are. If the item was created by a spell, you learn which spell created it. If you instead touch a creature throughout the casting, you learn what spells, if any, are currently affecting it.

Ritual

Spell Details

School: Divination
Level: 1
Ritual: Yes
Concentration: No
Classes: Bard, Cleric, Ritual Caster, Wizard
A-Tier Exceptional utility spell that solves the fundamental problem of identifying magic items without expensive NPC services or long rests.

Player Guide

Cast Identify during short or long rests to catalog found magical items before committing to use them, avoiding dangerous surprises like cursed items or items requiring attunement. Position yourself safely during the 1-minute casting, as you must maintain contact with the object and cannot move. This spell is invaluable after dungeon delves or when inheriting unknown magical gear, effectively giving your party free item identification that normally costs 100gp per item.

DM Tips

Identify reveals whether items require attunement and their general properties, but not DCs for command words or hidden abilities—maintain some mystery. Consider requiring Identify checks or additional investigation for particularly obscure or artifact-level items to preserve discovery challenge.