Spellbook of identify - Revision history

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ paragraphing

2025-07-08T19:49:36Z

‎Strategy: paragraphing

Umbire the Phantom: more sensible presentation for skilled ID

2025-07-08T19:47:40Z

more sensible presentation for skilled ID

Umbire the Phantom: /* Strategy */ bit of detail

2025-07-07T18:54:26Z

‎Strategy: bit of detail

Umbire the Phantom: messages, then rest

2025-07-07T05:45:05Z

messages, then rest

Umbire the Phantom: I think this covers a lot of important enough bases - calling it

2025-07-07T04:24:56Z

I think this covers a lot of important enough bases - calling it

Umbire the Phantom: start on a big one to round out the night - everything up to strategy header

2025-07-07T02:43:05Z

start on a big one to round out the night - everything up to strategy header

JASON10668: Add languages template.

2025-06-26T10:39:35Z

Add languages template.

Fyr: /* Generation */ clarifying Wizard starting items

2024-01-03T13:04:07Z

‎Generation: clarifying Wizard starting items

Umbire the Phantom: /* Variants */

2022-03-26T07:52:43Z

‎Variants

Umbire the Phantom: /* xNetHack */ Misremembered

2022-03-26T06:50:50Z

‎xNetHack: Misremembered

@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 The spellbook is a serious boon for early-game Wizards and any character build with high [[intelligence]] or [[wisdom]] and good [[power]] reserves&mdash;early-game Wizards and Priests sometimes [[start scum]] for the spellbook, while late-game Wizards and other casters often try to write the spellbook (if they are Wizards or willing to try their in-game luck) or even [[wish]] for it if they have not yet discovered it.
-However, a notable drawback is that getting the most out of the spell requires both efficient energy management to avoid being low on power when you need it most, as well as enough skill in divination spells (usually at least Basic) and/or enough spellcasting supplements such as a [[robe]] or [[helm of brilliance]] to offset failure rates for less casting-capable heroes.
+However, a notable drawback is that getting the most out of the spell requires both efficient energy management to avoid being low on power when you need it most, as well as enough skill in divination spells (usually at least Basic) and/or enough spellcasting supplements such as a [[robe]] or [[helm of brilliance]] to offset failure rates for less casting-capable heroes. Another drawback is that it does not aid as directly in a hero's survival as many other items that a player can seek out&mdash;although it can make finding such items much easier, the ability to quickly deal with threats or else evade them should generally be prioritized, especially if the player otherwise lacks experience.
-Another is that for all its usefulness and ability to increase survival odds, it does not aid as directly in a hero's survival as many other items that a player can seek out&mdash;although it can make finding such items much easier, the ability to quickly deal with threats or else evade them should generally be prioritized, especially if the player otherwise lacks experience. Ultimately the spell is powerful, but optional and not at all mandatory to take a given game to [[ascension]]: a hero that does not have the spell ''and'' lacks the resources to make the most of it should not go too far out of their way, and players that develop their ability to recognize items through other means (e.g. [[price identification]]) will be somewhat less reliant on the spell.
+The spell is ultimately powerful, but optional and not at all mandatory to take a given game to [[ascension]]: a hero that does not have the spell ''and'' lacks the resources to make the most of it should not go too far out of their way, and players that develop their ability to recognize items through other means (e.g. [[price identification]]) will be somewhat less reliant on the spell. With this in mind, any hero that obtains the spell and can reliably cast it should prioritize what to identify according to their needs&mdash;heavier items for those with low [[carrying capacity]], projectiles for ranged fighters, other spellbooks for casters, and so on.
-With this in mind, any hero that obtains the spell and can reliably cast it should prioritize what to identify according to their needs&mdash;heavier items for those with low [[carrying capacity]], projectiles for ranged fighters, other spellbooks for casters, and so on. The specifics of what should take priority will vary from hero to hero, especially for Wizards capable of writing the spellbook successfully; in any case, and as with many other non-combat spells, finding a relatively safe spot to cast is ideal, particularly if your worn armor needs to be adjusted or removed.
+The specifics of what should take priority when identifying items with the spell will vary from hero to hero, especially for Wizards capable of writing the spellbook successfully; in any case, and as with many other non-combat spells, finding a relatively safe spot to cast is ideal, particularly if your worn armor needs to be adjusted or removed for casting.
 ==History==

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 ==Description==
-At [[Basic]] skill or lower in divination spells, the spell of identify has the same effect as [[reading]] an [[uncursed]] [[scroll of identify]]:{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1147|nethack=3.6.7|comment=case calls <tt>seffects()</tt> in <tt>read.c</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1155|nethack=3.6.7|comment=all spells with scroll equivalents fall through to this line}} the [[hero]] will identify at least one item in their open inventory that is not fully identified, with a {{frac|25}} chance each (4%) of identifying two, three, four, or all items that are not fully identified.{{refsrc|src/read.c|1499|nethack=3.6.7|name="ID odds"}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|1505|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/invent.c|2344|nethack=3.6.7}} At Skilled or higher level, the spell has the same effect as reading a blessed scroll, with a {{frac|4|5}} chance (80%) of identifying up to 4 items in open inventory that are not fully identified and fully identifying the entire open inventory otherwise, and the odds of multiple items being identified are increased by positive [[luck]].{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1149|nethack=3.6.7}}<ref name="ID odds"/>{{refsrc|src/read.c|1502|nethack=3.6.7}}
+When successfully [[cast]], the spell of identify replicates the effect of [[reading]] a [[scroll of identify]] and identifies at least one item for the [[hero]], with the exact effects dependend on the hero's [[skill]] in divination spells:{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1147|nethack=3.6.7|comment=case calls <tt>seffects()</tt> in <tt>read.c</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1155|nethack=3.6.7|comment=all spells with scroll equivalents fall through to this line}}
 The full odds are summarized in the table below:

@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 * [[Magical item]]s can be more easily distinguished from mundane ones.
-The spellbook is a serious boon for early-game Wizards and any character build with high [[intelligence]] or [[wisdom]] and good [[power]] reserves&mdash;early-game Wizards and Priests sometimes [[start scum]] for the spellbook, while late-game Wizards and other casters often try to write the spellbook or even [[wish]] for it if they have not yet discovered it.
+The spellbook is a serious boon for early-game Wizards and any character build with high [[intelligence]] or [[wisdom]] and good [[power]] reserves&mdash;early-game Wizards and Priests sometimes [[start scum]] for the spellbook, while late-game Wizards and other casters often try to write the spellbook (if they are Wizards or willing to try their in-game luck) or even [[wish]] for it if they have not yet discovered it.
 However, a notable drawback is that getting the most out of the spell requires both efficient energy management to avoid being low on power when you need it most, as well as enough skill in divination spells (usually at least Basic) and/or enough spellcasting supplements such as a [[robe]] or [[helm of brilliance]] to offset failure rates for less casting-capable heroes.
-Another is that for all its usefulness and ability to increase survival odds, it does not aid as directly in a hero's survival as many other items that a player can seek out&mdash;although it can make finding such items much easier, the ability to quickly deal with threats or else evade them should generally be prioritized, especially if the player otherwise lacks experience. Ultimately the spell is powerful, but optional and not at all mandatory to take a given game to [[ascension]]: a hero that does not have the spell and lacks the resources to make the most of it should not go too far out of their way, and players that develop their ability to recognize items through other means (e.g. [[price identification]]) will be somewhat less reliant on the spell.
+Another is that for all its usefulness and ability to increase survival odds, it does not aid as directly in a hero's survival as many other items that a player can seek out&mdash;although it can make finding such items much easier, the ability to quickly deal with threats or else evade them should generally be prioritized, especially if the player otherwise lacks experience. Ultimately the spell is powerful, but optional and not at all mandatory to take a given game to [[ascension]]: a hero that does not have the spell ''and'' lacks the resources to make the most of it should not go too far out of their way, and players that develop their ability to recognize items through other means (e.g. [[price identification]]) will be somewhat less reliant on the spell.
-With this in mind, any hero that obtains the spell and can reliably cast it should prioritize what to identify according to their needs&mdash;heavier items for those with low [[carrying capacity]], projectiles for ranged fighters, other spellbooks for casters, and so on. The specifics of what should take priority will vary from hero to hero&mdash;in any case, and as with many other non-combat spells, finding a relatively safe spot to cast is ideal, particularly if your worn armor needs to be adjusted or removed.
+With this in mind, any hero that obtains the spell and can reliably cast it should prioritize what to identify according to their needs&mdash;heavier items for those with low [[carrying capacity]], projectiles for ranged fighters, other spellbooks for casters, and so on. The specifics of what should take priority will vary from hero to hero, especially for Wizards capable of writing the spellbook successfully; in any case, and as with many other non-combat spells, finding a relatively safe spot to cast is ideal, particularly if your worn armor needs to be adjusted or removed.
 ==History==

@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 ==History==
 The spellbook of identify and its spell first appear in [[NetHack 1.3d]].
 ==Variants==

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 ==Description==
-At [[Basic]] skill or lower in divination spells, the spell of identify has the same effect as [[reading]] an [[uncursed]] [[scroll of identify]]:{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1147|nethack=3.6.7|comment=case calls <tt>seffects()</tt> in <tt>read.c</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1155|nethack=3.6.7|comment=all spells with scroll equivalents fall through to this line}} the [[hero]] will identify at least one item in their open inventory that is not fully identified, with a {{frac|25}} chance each (4%) of identifying two, three, four, or all items that are not fully identified.{{refsrc|src/read.c|1499|nethack=3.6.7|name="ID odds"}} At Skilled or higher level, the spell has the same effect as reading a blessed scroll, with a {{frac|4|5}} chance (80%) of identifying up to 4 items in open inventory that are not fully identified and fully identifying the entire open inventory otherwise, and the odds of multiple items being identified are increased by positive [[luck]].{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1149|nethack=3.6.7}}<ref name="ID odds"/>{{refsrc|src/read.c|1502|nethack=3.6.7}}
+At [[Basic]] skill or lower in divination spells, the spell of identify has the same effect as [[reading]] an [[uncursed]] [[scroll of identify]]:{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1147|nethack=3.6.7|comment=case calls <tt>seffects()</tt> in <tt>read.c</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1155|nethack=3.6.7|comment=all spells with scroll equivalents fall through to this line}} the [[hero]] will identify at least one item in their open inventory that is not fully identified, with a {{frac|25}} chance each (4%) of identifying two, three, four, or all items that are not fully identified.{{refsrc|src/read.c|1499|nethack=3.6.7|name="ID odds"}}{{refsrc|src/read.c|1505|nethack=3.6.7}}{{refsrc|src/invent.c|2344|nethack=3.6.7}} At Skilled or higher level, the spell has the same effect as reading a blessed scroll, with a {{frac|4|5}} chance (80%) of identifying up to 4 items in open inventory that are not fully identified and fully identifying the entire open inventory otherwise, and the odds of multiple items being identified are increased by positive [[luck]].{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1149|nethack=3.6.7}}<ref name="ID odds"/>{{refsrc|src/read.c|1502|nethack=3.6.7}}
 The full odds are summarized in the table below:
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 ==Strategy==
-The spell of identify is considered the most useful utility spell in the game, and can easily supplant scrolls of identify. The spellbook is a serious boon for early-game Wizards and any high [[intelligence]]/[[wisdom]] character with good [[power]] reserves for casting, sometimes to the point of being a [[start scumming]] target - late-game Wizards often try to write the spellbook if they have not discovered it; other characters invested in casting might wish for it directly in the same scenario.
+The spell of identify is considered to be the most useful utility spell in the game, as it can easily supplant scrolls of identify, and even players using heroes who are not primary spellcasters will often seek out the book. Being able to completely identify your inventory reduces the amount of management required for it throughout the game, including (but not remotely limited to) the following benefits:
-Being able to completely identify your inventory reduces the amount of inventory management required throughout the game: it saves an extra charge or more for most wands that would be spent [[engraving]] or [[zap]]ping, as well as letting you see the number of charges they have left. It also allows you to discern the [[beatitude]] of any item without an altar, and easily distinguishes between normal and magical items. However, it also requires you to manage your energy efficiently if you intend to make use of other spells regularly, so that you do not find yourself short on power at a critical moment - though you will generally end up using it less as you identify more items.
+* Identifying wands saves extra charges that would be spent on [[engraving]] or [[zapping]] most of them, while showing the amount of charges they have left.
 ==History==
@@ Line 44: / Line 54: @@
 ==Variants==
-Several variants modify the availability of the identify spell, as part of a rebalancing attempt to make it less "overpowered" while still remaining useful.
+Several [[variant]]s of ''NetHack'' modify the identify spell, often as part of a re-balancing attempt to make it less 'over-powered' but still useful.
 ===SLASH'EM===
-In [[SLASH'EM]], identify is a level 5 spell.
+In [[SLASH'EM]], the spell of identify has its level raised to a level 5 divination spell.
 ===FIQHack===
-In [[FIQHack]], identify is a level 2 spell, but is more limited in scope, only identifying object types. As the player's divination skill increases, they will be able to discern more qualities of an item aside from its function.
+In [[FIQHack]], the spell of identify has its level ''lowered'' to a level 2 divination spell, but to compensate it is also more limited in scope, only identifying object types&mdash;casting the spell with higher skill in divination spells will reveal more qualities of the items that it identifies.
 ===xNetHack===
-In [[xNetHack]], the spell is removed entirely due to balance issues conflicting with the new spellcasting system introduced. Scrolls of identify are made much more effective to compensate.
+In [[xNetHack]], the spell is removed entirely due to balance issues conflicting with the variant's revamped spellcasting system, and scrolls of identify are made much more effective to compensate.
 ==References==
 <references/>
-{{nethack-364}}
+{{nethack-367}}
 [[Category:Spellbooks|Identify]]
 [[Category:Identification]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{languages}}
-{{spellbook|name=identify|level=3|type=divination|turns=12|direction=non-directional|equiv=[[scroll of identify]]|abundance=2.03%}}
+{{spellbook
-In ''[[NetHack]]'', the '''spellbook of identify''' allows you to learn the '''spell of identify'''. It is a level 3 [[divination spell]], and the [[spellbook]] takes roughly 12 turns to read; while no more difficult than any other level 3 spell, this is the longest duration of the group.{{refsrc|objects.c|957|nethack=3.6.0}}
+==Generation==
-==Generation==
+Spellbooks of identify make up {{frac|50}} (2%) of all randomly-generated spellbooks. General [[store]]s, second-hand bookstores and rare books stores can stock spellbooks of identify.
-There is a ~2.03% chance that a randomly generated spellbook will be a spellbook of identify.
+Writing a spellbook of identify with a [[magic marker]] uses up 15 to 29 charges.
 ==Description==
-Casting this spell at Basic or lower [[skill]] level is equivalent to an uncursed [[scroll of identify]], identifying 1 item 84% of the time and identifying 2, 3, 4, or all items 4% of the time each. At Skilled or higher level, it works the same as a blessed scroll and identifies 1d4 items 80% of the time, and will identify your entire inventory 20% of the time. With positive [[Luck]], a Skilled or higher casting will always identify at least 2 items.{{refsrc|read.c|1441|nethack=3.6.0}}{{refsrc|spell.c|1101|nethack=3.6.0}}
+At [[Basic]] skill or lower in divination spells, the spell of identify has the same effect as [[reading]] an [[uncursed]] [[scroll of identify]]:{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1147|nethack=3.6.7|comment=case calls <tt>seffects()</tt> in <tt>read.c</tt>}}{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1155|nethack=3.6.7|comment=all spells with scroll equivalents fall through to this line}} the [[hero]] will identify at least one item in their open inventory that is not fully identified, with a {{frac|25}} chance each (4%) of identifying two, three, four, or all items that are not fully identified.{{refsrc|src/read.c|1499|nethack=3.6.7|name="ID odds"}} At Skilled or higher level, the spell has the same effect as reading a blessed scroll, with a {{frac|4|5}} chance (80%) of identifying up to 4 items in open inventory that are not fully identified and fully identifying the entire open inventory otherwise, and the odds of multiple items being identified are increased by positive [[luck]].{{refsrc|src/spell.c|1149|nethack=3.6.7}}<ref name="ID odds"/>{{refsrc|src/read.c|1502|nethack=3.6.7}}
 ==Strategy==

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:39, 26 June 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{languages}}
	{{spellbook\|name=identify\|level=3\|type=divination\|turns=12\|direction=non-directional\|equiv=[[scroll of identify]]\|abundance=2.03%}}		{{spellbook\|name=identify\|level=3\|type=divination\|turns=12\|direction=non-directional\|equiv=[[scroll of identify]]\|abundance=2.03%}}

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ==Generation==
-[[Wizard]]s may start the game with this spellbook as one of their non-[[force bolt]] spellbooks, while [[Priest]]s may start with this as one of their two starting spellbooks.
+[[Wizard]]s may start the game with this spellbook as their non-[[force bolt]] spellbook, while [[Priest]]s may start with this as one of their two starting spellbooks.
 There is a ~2.03% chance that a randomly generated spellbook will be a spellbook of identify.