D&D 3.5 Alchemy Identification, Cantrip - New

Divination

Level: Beguiler 0, Bard 0, Cleric 0, Druid 0, Duskblade 0, Paladin 1, Ranger 1, Sorcerer/Wizard 0, Warmage 0

Components: V, S

Casting Time: One standard action

Range: Personal

Target: You

Duration: 1 min./level

By the means of Alchemy Identification you gain a greater understanding of magic potions. You gain a +5 bonus to spellcraft checks for purposes of identifying a potion. It still requires one minute of time to identify a potion. If you failed once already with spellcraft without this spell cast then you are allowed a second try using this spell.

FAQ

Q: Why make it so easy to identify magic potions?

A: Sense Spellcraft says no retry, by core rules you can't take 20 to identify a potion. We feel this can hurt a campaign by forcing low level players to use the more expensive Identify Spell, to ID potions after the adventure is over. Many times this will mean the potions added to help the dungeon along, will not get Identified until after the adventure is over. Considering that scrolls are easily identified with the cantrip read magic this evens things out with potions.