This is an article in the continuing series, “Fun with Magic”, where I examine spells from the D20 System Reference Document, which corresponds to spells from the Player’s Handbook v. 3.5. These spells are in almost every campaign and form the foundation of spells used in Yön. Each article demonstrates strengths and weaknesses of a particular spell and some unique applications for each, to the limit of the author’s imagination, such as it is.
Analyze Dweomer
Divination
Level: Brd 6, Sor/Wiz 6
Components: V, S, F
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Targets: One object or creature per caster level
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: None or Will negates; see text
Spell Resistance: No
You discern all spells and magical properties present in a number of creatures or objects. Each round, you may examine a single creature or object that you can see as a free action. In the case of a magic item, you learn its functions, how to activate its functions (if appropriate), and how many charges are left (if it uses charges). In the case of an object or creature with active spells cast upon it, you learn each spell, its effect, and its caster level.
An attended object may attempt a Will save to resist this effect if its holder so desires. If the save succeeds, you learn nothing about the object except what you can discern by looking at it. An object that makes its save cannot be affected by any other analyze dweomer spells for 24 hours.
Analyze dweomer does not function when used on an artifact.
Focus: A tiny lens of ruby or sapphire set in a small golden loop. The gemstone must be worth at least 1,500 gp.
Analyze dweomer is
identify on steroids. At a bare minimum, it can have the effect of eleven
identify spells, but taking less than two minutes to do as opposed to eleven hours, and not costing 1,100 gold pieces in pearls.
In combat, you can quickly single out targets to debuff. (“Debuff” is a term borrowed from MMORPGs—massive multiplayer online role-playing games—that means to remove buffs—temporary performance enhancments—from a target. Here, it means to cast dispel magic or a similar spell with the intent of removing spells that enhance or protect your enemy). At the very least, you will know what spells and attacks not to try on creatures protected by spells.
Remember, once cast, using analyze dweomer each round is a free action.