Alchemical Items and Identification. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Alchemical Items and Identification. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lazy Wanderer
03-27-05, 07:29 PM I'm just wondering if there are any rules concerning alchemical items and whether or not you have to identify them or whether, when a character finds an alchemical item, they already know what it is. I remember when flipping through the v.3 PHB I saw something about using the Alchemy skill against DC 25 or something. Maybe you could use Knowledge (arcana) or Craft (alchemy), but I was just wondering if there are any official rules on this.
Colmarr
03-28-05, 09:50 PM I don't think there are any rules for this under the RAW.

I would recommend allowing a Craft(alchemy) check with a DC equal to the Craft DC needed to actually create the item (ie. If you know how to make it, you'll know the properties by which to identify it).

Bear in mind though, that many items can cause damage in the identification process. There's no litmus paper in D&D, so the only way to identify acid is to dip something in it. Alchemists fire ignites on contact with air, so you'll have a hard time identifying it.
simen_88
03-29-05, 04:10 AM Generally, it is assumed that you know what an alchemical item is, either by markings on the bottle or by experience. If you want to leave them unidentified, I suggest an appraise check as well as craft:alchemy.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lazy Wanderer 03-27-05, 07:29 PM	I'm just wondering if there are any rules concerning alchemical items and whether or not you have to identify them or whether, when a character finds an alchemical item, they already know what it is. I remember when flipping through the v.3 PHB I saw something about using the Alchemy skill against DC 25 or something. Maybe you could use Knowledge (arcana) or Craft (alchemy), but I was just wondering if there are any official rules on this.
Colmarr 03-28-05, 09:50 PM	I don't think there are any rules for this under the RAW. I would recommend allowing a Craft(alchemy) check with a DC equal to the Craft DC needed to actually create the item (ie. If you know how to make it, you'll know the properties by which to identify it). Bear in mind though, that many items can cause damage in the identification process. There's no litmus paper in D&D, so the only way to identify acid is to dip something in it. Alchemists fire ignites on contact with air, so you'll have a hard time identifying it.
simen_88 03-29-05, 04:10 AM	Generally, it is assumed that you know what an alchemical item is, either by markings on the bottle or by experience. If you want to leave them unidentified, I suggest an appraise check as well as craft:alchemy.