Identify Creature

[kbob]

Quick question. Is there a spell that that gives the identity (or at least type/sub-type) of a creature?

[Uncle Pine]

If you pick the right Knowledge skill to roll, you can probably identify a creature by casting Guidance of the Avatar (http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/sb/sb20010504a).

[heavyfuel]

If you pick the right Knowledge skill to roll, you can probably identify a creature by casting Guidance of the Avatar (http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/sb/sb20010504a).

This is a problem because Guidance of the Avatar doesn't let you make untrained knowledge checks, so you'd need at least one rank in the correct knowledge skill. Also, its short duration makes it a problem especially since you'll usually see the enemy before casting the spell, and you can't hold off on making knowledge checks since they aren't actions.

A better spell on this vein is Divine Insight (Spell Compendium) because it has a very nice duration, making it easier to discharge when necessary. It doesn't solve the untrained knowledge checks though.

Also, knowledge checks are very much "up to DM" on what's considered "useful information", so talking to the DM is best before you try using this or a similar method.

[Uncle Pine]

This is a problem because Guidance of the Avatar doesn't let you make untrained knowledge checks, so you'd need at least one rank in the correct knowledge skill. Also, its short duration makes it a problem especially since you'll usually see the enemy before casting the spell, and you can't hold off on making knowledge checks since they aren't actions.

A better spell on this vein is Divine Insight (Spell Compendium) because it has a very nice duration, making it easier to discharge when necessary. It doesn't solve the untrained knowledge checks though.
Yes, I didn't mention because the spell doesn't say it lets you make untrained skill checks, but you need to have at least one rank invested in the Knowledge skill you're going to use (or half a rank, if you're a Bard with the correct ACF). It's a rather trivial hurdle to overcome since there are only a handful of them you can use to identify creature, but it has to be done.


Also, knowledge checks are very much "up to DM" on what's considered "useful information", so talking to the DM is best before you try using this or a similar method.
While that's true, the Knowledge skill is explicitly used "to identify monsters and their special powers or vulnerabilities". Therefore, while your DM may be inclined to disclose what kind of shrews and voles owlbears prefer to eat before hybernating as "piece of useful information" you should still be able to learn you're in fact facing an owlbear.

[Bad Wolf]

The Mindsight feat automatically tells you the INT score and type of all creatures within the range of your telepathy. Not a spell, but its something in the right direction.

[Goaty14]

Know Opponent and Know Vulnerabilties can both contribute to finding it out logically.

[HouseRules]

It is logical for a player character to know all of the monsters from fractional challenge rating up to some common threat in the area they live in. Thus, a character should be able to identify the more common monsters.

Seeking high level NPCs should also be an option that is open unless your DM says that there is no such thing as high level NPCs. High Level NPCs should have a wider knowledge of the area they are in, and the possible encounters around the area since they are likely to survive encounters even if it is simply by running away.

Role-playing as a solution, why not?