Identify magic items with multiple auras

[Beek Gwenders of Croodle]

I am trying to create a fast reference document on identifying magic items etc.

Let's say I cast a detect magic and want to identify a +1 flaming holy defending longsword.

I assume I need to identify each single aura first (faint evocation for the +1 bonus, moderate evocation for the flaming and holy properties, moderate abjuration for the defending property).

What if I fail one of these four K.A. checks, can I still use Spellcraft to identify the magical properties?

Also on a flavor level, when your character identifies a +2 or +3 longsword, how do you descrive it to the wizard that just identified it? I say "it's a weapon that holds a common spell of sharpness and balance that makes it strikes harder and better". But how would you descrbe it if it's +1 or +3? I try to be evocative and then tell them the exact bonus the first time it's used in combat, or do you just tell them "it's a +1 longsword"?

[Beek Gwenders of Croodle]

Also I read deciphering a scroll is a full-round action. But can you retry?

[LazarX]

Beek Gwenders of Croodle wrote:

Also I read deciphering a scroll is a full-round action. But can you retry?

Yes.... after you get one more rank in spellcraft.

Alternately you could wait until the next morning and actualy PREPARE Read Magic... or just cast it if your one of those rare breed of sorcerers who took it as a spell known. It's one of the reasons for the spell to exist after all.