Do Clerics Get Identify?
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Clerics are devoted servants of a higher power, using their faith to heal, protect, and smite their enemies. One of the most crucial spells in a Cleric’s arsenal is Identify, which allows them to determine the properties of an object, including its magical properties, requirements for use, and the identity of any spells affecting it. But do Clerics get to cast Identify, and if so, under what circumstances?
Clerics and Identify
In the official 5th edition Player’s Handbook, Identify is listed as a 1st-level Divination spell that can be cast by Bards, Wizards, and Rogues. However, there is no mention of Clerics being able to cast Identify. This has led to some debate among players and DMs about whether Clerics can indeed cast Identify.
Official Answer
According to the official FAQ on the Wizards of the Coast website, Identify is not available to Clerics. The FAQ states: "Wizards, Shadowcasters, and Insight Clerics get access to Identify." This means that only certain types of Clerics, specifically those with the Insight domain, can cast Identify.
Insight Domain
The Insight domain is a specialized domain that grants Clerics additional abilities and spells related to perception, insight, and divination. Clerics with the Insight domain can cast Identify, as well as other divination spells, to gain insight into the world around them.
Other Cleric Domains
While Clerics with the Insight domain can cast Identify, other Cleric domains do not grant this ability. Clerics with other domains, such as Life, Light, or War, do not have access to Identify.
Casting Identify
When a Cleric with the Insight domain casts Identify, they can use the spell to determine the properties of an object, including its magical properties, requirements for use, and the identity of any spells affecting it. The spell has a casting time of 1 minute and a range of touch, requiring the Cleric to physically touch the object they wish to identify.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Clerics do not have access to Identify by default, Clerics with the Insight domain can cast the spell to gain insight into the properties of objects. This adds an additional layer of depth to the Cleric’s abilities, allowing them to better understand the world around them and make more informed decisions.