Deciphers magical writings on items and scrolls.
Original D&D[]
Premiered in Men & Magic, for the magic-user. Dragon Magazine #12 introduced this spell to the Illusionist spell list.
- Spell Level 1
Reads magical incantations on items and scrolls -- such writings are otherwise indecipherable. The spell is short, allowing only one or two readings before it must be cast again.
AD&D[]
Read Magic[]
Debuted in the Player's Handbook as a magic-user spell.
| Level: 1 | School: Divination |
| Components: V, S, M (a clear crystal or prism; it is not expended) | |
| Range: 0 | Casting Time: 1 Round |
| Duration:2 rounds/level | Saving Throw: None |
| Target: One magical writing | |
The caster can read new magical inscriptions. Once read with this spell, a magical inscription is always readable by the caster, without having to cast the spell again.
Reversed[]
| Level: 1 | School: Divination |
| Components: V, S, M (a pinch of dirt and a drop of water) | |
| Range: 0 | Casting Time: 1 Round |
| Duration:2 rounds/level | Saving Throw: None |
| Target: One magical writing | |
The caster obscures one magical writing, which cannot be read, even with the aid of read magic, until the effect wears off, or is dispelled.