How to find the "activation word" for a magic item?


Rules Questions


Activating* a magic device "blindly" is a DC 25 skill check:
"Activate Blindly: Some magic items are activated by special words, thoughts, or actions. You can activate such an item as if you were using the activation word, thought, or action, even when you're not and even if you don't know it."
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/skills/useMagicDevice.html

But I couldn't find in the rules where it says HOW you figure out what the special word is to activate the item? Can someone please tell me and link me the rule? We found and identified a pretty cool magic item in my game, but no one knows how they are supposed to discover the secret word to activate it so we don't have to to it blindly.

Thanks!

*cross-post from Advice since I realized this is really a Rules question.


Identifying the item via spellcraft or whatnot generally provides that info


paladinguy wrote:
But I couldn't find in the rules where it says HOW you figure out what the special word is to activate the item? Can someone please tell me and link me the rule?

Command Word: "Sometimes the command word to activate an item is written right on the item. Occasionally, it might be hidden within a pattern or design engraved on, carved into, or built into the item, or the item might bear a clue to the command word.

The Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (history) skills might be useful in helping to identify command words or deciphering clues regarding them. A successful check against DC 30 is needed to come up with the word itself. If that check is failed, succeeding on a second check (DC 25) might provide some insight into a clue. The spells detect magic, identify, and analyze dweomer all reveal command words if the properties of the item are successfully identified."

Shadow Lodge

Analyze Dweomer says:

"You can observe magical auras. 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 (including any curse effects), 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."

Now does this tell you only that the item requires a command word or does it actually tell you the command word?


PatientWolf wrote:
Now does this tell you only that the item requires a command word or does it actually tell you the command word?

It reveals the command word.

"The spells detect magic, identify, and analyze dweomer all reveal command words if the properties of the item are successfully identified."

Shadow Lodge

Grick wrote:
PatientWolf wrote:
Now does this tell you only that the item requires a command word or does it actually tell you the command word?

It reveals the command word.

"The spells detect magic, identify, and analyze dweomer all reveal command words if the properties of the item are successfully identified."

That'll teach me to just skim a post instead of completely read it =D

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