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Arcana

Arcana

Ability: Intelligence

Arcana measures your ability to recall lore about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, the planes of existence, and the inhabitants of those planes.

Example Uses​

  • Recall lore about spells, magic items, and the planes of existence
  • Identify magical effects or phenomena
  • Understand arcane symbols and writings
  • Recognize magical creatures and their abilities
  • Decipher the purpose of magical rituals

When to Use Arcana​

The GM might call for an Intelligence (Arcana) check when you attempt to:

  • Identify a spell being cast by someone else
  • Recall information about a magical creature
  • Understand the properties of a magic item
  • Decipher ancient magical texts
  • Recognize the signs of planar influence

Difficulty Examples​

  • DC 10: Recognizing a common spell being cast
  • DC 15: Identifying the school of magic of an effect
  • DC 20: Recalling obscure lore about a rare magical phenomenon
  • DC 25: Understanding ancient or forbidden magical knowledge