Magic item identification

[wick]

We are alow level party (1st-2nd) and we have magic loot. Using the items has yeilded some info like we have a +1 hand axe but some other items evade our mundane attempts to ID. So back in town I am looking for the most economical way to id.

So far it seems that hiring an NPC wizard to cast Identify is cheapest (160 GP)

Looking at other spells that can ID a magic item:
Analyze Dweomer: You can check 1 item per caster level but the material component and focus costs alone would make Identify the better option. Not to mention the hiring costs of the Mage (Total cost to Hire: 720GP to hire+ 1500GP Focus=2,220 GP to Analyze 12 items ore 185 GP per item). A great spell if you are the high level wizard casting it.

Legend Lore: Amongst other information you can learn about an item you can determine the functions. (Total cost to Hire: 720GP to hire+250 GP Material Component+ 200 GP Focus= 1,170 GP for one item) the worst to identify.

Bardic Knowledge: How much would it cost to hire an NPC to use a class ability? Probably expensive since you would need an 8 to 10 th level Bard to take 20 for a DC 30 to know about a petty magic item. We are low level so the items are mainly petty.

When identifying would you cast on a stack of ammunition or do you have to ID each bolt/arrow/etc..? How many could you ID at once? It seems a waste to use a 100 GP Pearl on an expendable item.

I have really ownly read through the core books but we do have other source books available.

[Douglas]

Analyze Dweomer: You can check 1 item per caster level but the material component and focus costs alone would make Identify the better option. Not to mention the hiring costs of the Mage (Total cost to Hire: 720GP to hire+ 1500GP Focus=2,220 GP to Analyze 12 items ore 185 GP per item)

Because the focus is reusable, you don't have to pay it's full cost when you hire a casting. Specifically, If the spell has a focus component (other than a divine focus), add 1/10 the cost of that focus to the cost of the spell. 720+150 = 870, or 72.5 gp per item.

[Tyger]

If you have the skills / classes, an Artificer's Monocle (if you can buy one) is the best bet. Its in the Magic Item Compendium, and completely removes the need for Identify or Analyse Dweomer.

If you can find a caster to cast Analyse Dweomer, then you shouldn't have any trouble finding one who can craft an item for you though.

[Snake-Aes]

If you can hire npcs, 7th level swordsages can identify armors and weapons.

[nedz]

You can sometimes use skills eg Spellcraft DC 25 to identify a potion.

[DarkEternal]

But the Artificer's monocle can really be used by everyone from what I saw. Yes, it's called an Artificer's monocle, so you would think only an Artificer could use it, but all you need is a few ranks in Knowledge(Arcana) if I remember and you are all set. A paltry price for an item that can identify everything, for free. And it's done in a few minutes and not an hour like usual Identify spells.

[Sliver]

Clerics can cast Identify for free, if they have the right domain.

[AslanCross]

Magic Item Compendium allows for a DC 30 Knowledge Arcana check to identify any magical item that isn't an artifact.

[Tyger]

But the Artificer's monocle can really be used by everyone from what I saw. Yes, it's called an Artificer's monocle, so you would think only an Artificer could use it, but all you need is a few ranks in Knowledge(Arcana) if I remember and you are all set. A paltry price for an item that can identify everything, for free. And it's done in a few minutes and not an hour like usual Identify spells.

Well, everyone that has 5 ranks in Knowledge Arcana and can cast Dispel Magic. But yes, it is by far the best MI identifier out there.

Magic Item Compendium allows for a DC 30 Knowledge Arcana check to identify any magical item that isn't an artifact.

Yup, but the OP noted they were a low level party, so this is likely out of their reach for a few more levels. And that check is actually a hint, not a real identifier. It does list rules for using Detect Magic to successfully ID the school of magic used in creation, and if you exceed the Spellcraft check by 10, then you get the full properties.

[Escheton]

Magic Item Compendium allows for a DC 30 Knowledge Arcana check to identify any magical item that isn't an artifact.

Now that is new information. Thanks

[Jack_Simth]

If you can find a Cloistered Cleric, Identify costs 10 gp/item, as Identify only costs a lot because of the ARCANE material component. For a divine caster, it's just their divine focus. Goes well as a Wand, because the Cloistered Cleric can make a Wand of Identify at caster level 1 for the same cost as a Wand of Cure Light Wounds... and anyone with Identify on their class list can use it just the same.

[Tyger]

Now that is new information. Thanks

See above. Its not quite accurate.

[2xMachina]

Find a DFA with Magic Insight. Identify at-will. All it costs him is 2 rounds per identify.

[Badgercloak]

I use this variant rule from WOTC.

Spellcraft: can be used to identify magic items. Characters with an Item creation feat get a +2 circumstance bonus to identify magic items of that type.
• Potions: DC: 25, 1 min.
• Scrolls: DC: 20+ spell level, 1 round.
• Arms and Armor: DC: 30, 1 min.
• Wands: DC: 30, 1 min.
• Rods: DC: 35, 1 min.
• Staffs: DC: 40, 1 min.
• Wondrous Items: Minor DC: 25, Medium DC: 30, Major DC: 40. All take 1 min.

Hope this helps.

[Optimystik]

As above, Cloistered Cleric and DFA are your best bets.