Difference between revisions of "Spellbook of identify"

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{{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%}}
  
The '''spellbook of identify''' takes longer to read than other level 3 spells, but is no more difficult.{{refsrc|objects.c|957|nethack=3.6.0}} For [[player|characters]] with high [[intelligence]] and [[wisdom]], a high [[level]], and enough [[energy]], this spell can supplant [[scroll of identify|scrolls of identify]].
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In ''[[NetHack]]'', a '''[[spellbook]] of identify''' allows you to learn the '''spell of identify'''.
  
 
== Effects ==
 
== Effects ==
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Casting this spell is equivalent to an uncursed [[scroll of identify]] at Basic and Unskilled [[skill]] level, identifying 1 item 80% of the time and identifying 1d4 items 20% of the time; at Skilled and Expert level, it acts 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}}
  
Casting this spell is equivalent to an uncursed [[scroll of identify]] at Basic and Unskilled [[skill]] level and a blessed scroll at Skilled and Expert.{{refsrc|spell.c|1101|nethack=3.6.0}} This will identify 1 item 80% of the time at low skill levels and act as a skilled cast 20% of the time. A skilled cast will identify 1d4 items 80% of the time, but always at least 2 with positive [[Luck]], and will identify your entire inventory 20% of the time.{{refsrc|read.c|1441|nethack=3.6.0}}
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While no more difficult than any other level 3 spell, the spellbook takes the longest of the group to read.{{refsrc|objects.c|957|nethack=3.6.0}}
  
 
== Strategy ==
 
== Strategy ==
This spell is the most useful utility spell in the game, and a serious boon for any [[Wizard]] that is lucky enough to happen upon one early enough in the game. It supersedes [[scroll of identify|scrolls of identify]] and allows you to identify all items that you pick up. Being able to completely identify your inventory has a number of positive effects. It saves an extra charge or more in all wands but the [[wand of wishing]] by identifying them without [[engraving]] or [[zap]]ping, as well as letting you see the number of charges they have left (so, for instance, you don't zap an emptied wand of death at a minotaur about to kill you). It also allows you to distinguish between normal and magical items easily, reducing the chances you will discard something useful or use something harmful, as well as distinguishing their BUC status.
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This spell is considered the most useful utility spell in the game, and can easily supplant [[scroll of identify|scrolls of identify]]; this makes it a serious boon for early-game [[Wizard]]s, as well as any character with high [[intelligence]] and [[wisdom]], as well as decent levels and [[energy]].
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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 inevitably end up using it less as you identify more items.
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 
 
Several variants modify the availability of the identify spell.
 
Several variants modify the availability of the identify spell.
  
In [[SLASH'EM]], identify is a level 5 spell.
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In [[SLASH'EM]], identify is a level 5 spell. In [[SLASH'EM Extended]], it can also sometimes cause backlash when cast, with the worst possible result being [[amnesia]].
 
 
In [[SLASH'EM Extended]], in addition to being a level 5 spell, it can also sometimes cause backlash when cast, with the worst possible result being [[amnesia]].
 
  
 
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]], 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.
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<references />
 
<references />
  
{{nethack-361}}
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{{nethack-364}}
 
[[Category:Spellbooks|Identify]]
 
[[Category:Spellbooks|Identify]]
 
[[Category:Identification]]
 
[[Category:Identification]]

Revision as of 23:00, 24 January 2020

spellbook of
+   identify   Light green spellbook.png
Appearance random
Abundance 2.03%
Base price 300 zm
Weight 50
Turns to read 12
Ink to write 15–29
Spell type divination
Level 3
Power cost 15 Pw
Direction non-directional
Equivalent scroll of identify

In NetHack, a spellbook of identify allows you to learn the spell of identify.

Effects

Casting this spell is equivalent to an uncursed scroll of identify at Basic and Unskilled skill level, identifying 1 item 80% of the time and identifying 1d4 items 20% of the time; at Skilled and Expert level, it acts 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.[1][2]

While no more difficult than any other level 3 spell, the spellbook takes the longest of the group to read.[3]

Strategy

This spell is considered the most useful utility spell in the game, and can easily supplant scrolls of identify; this makes it a serious boon for early-game Wizards, as well as any character with high intelligence and wisdom, as well as decent levels and energy.

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 zapping, 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 inevitably end up using it less as you identify more items.

Variants

Several variants modify the availability of the identify spell.

In SLASH'EM, identify is a level 5 spell. In SLASH'EM Extended, it can also sometimes cause backlash when cast, with the worst possible result being amnesia.

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 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.

References


This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.

It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.6.4. Information on this page may be out of date.

Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-364}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.