Artificers using Spellcraft [Archive] - Wizards Community

Artificers using Spellcraft [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
jediknight1179
07-23-07, 01:51 PM When making a Spellcraft check to indentify a spell being cast, does the PC making the check need to have that spell on his/her spell list in order to make the check?

This question came up in my last gaming session and the DM made a great arguing point that if you're unable to cast the spell, then how would you know how to recognize if if it was being cast (i.e. verbal or somatic components). I found nothing in the PHB that states you need to have the spell on your spell list, so I thought I'd try and get an official ruling from you guys.

Thanks
Loki5654
07-23-07, 02:15 PM Anyone with ranks in Spellcraft can attempt to identify any spell.

They don't even have to be a spellcaster. After all, any character can take ranks in Spellcraft.
oracle71
07-23-07, 03:05 PM There is a difference between recognizing the mechanics involved in casting a spell (spellcraft), and making those mechanics work (actually casting a spell).

It's kind of like the difference between enjoying a symphony, and being a concert violinist. Anyone who has watched and listened to musicians playing can recognize the mechanics of playing an instrument, and if they're experienced enough could identify the part that an individual is playing in the song. You don't have to be a musician to do this, it is just much easier for them to do.

Besides, if you'd been hit by a hundred magic missles, fireballs, fingers of death, disintegrations , and charm person spells, you just might learn how to recognize spells by how they are cast.
Neutronium_Dragon
07-23-07, 03:55 PM > then how would you know how to recognize if if it was being cast

Because you have ranks in Spellcraft. That's what it *does*.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
jediknight1179 07-23-07, 01:51 PM	When making a Spellcraft check to indentify a spell being cast, does the PC making the check need to have that spell on his/her spell list in order to make the check? This question came up in my last gaming session and the DM made a great arguing point that if you're unable to cast the spell, then how would you know how to recognize if if it was being cast (i.e. verbal or somatic components). I found nothing in the PHB that states you need to have the spell on your spell list, so I thought I'd try and get an official ruling from you guys. Thanks
Loki5654 07-23-07, 02:15 PM	Anyone with ranks in Spellcraft can attempt to identify any spell. They don't even have to be a spellcaster. After all, any character can take ranks in Spellcraft.
oracle71 07-23-07, 03:05 PM	There is a difference between recognizing the mechanics involved in casting a spell (spellcraft), and making those mechanics work (actually casting a spell). It's kind of like the difference between enjoying a symphony, and being a concert violinist. Anyone who has watched and listened to musicians playing can recognize the mechanics of playing an instrument, and if they're experienced enough could identify the part that an individual is playing in the song. You don't have to be a musician to do this, it is just much easier for them to do. Besides, if you'd been hit by a hundred magic missles, fireballs, fingers of death, disintegrations , and charm person spells, you just might learn how to recognize spells by how they are cast.
Neutronium_Dragon 07-23-07, 03:55 PM	> then how would you know how to recognize if if it was being cast Because you have ranks in Spellcraft. That's what it does.