Identifying Spells in a Spellbook

[PrimalWarrior]

I am playing in a campaign where the powers in charge heavily regulate the use of magic. Every class that has a spellbook, if seen casting a spell in public in a manner not conducive to the order and peace of the realm must submit his spellbook for inspection to the questioning authority. The wizard must have licenses that give him permission to have and cast each spell in his spellbook.

My question is this:

Can a character or NPC that isn't trained in Spellcraft or that has the ability to cast "Read Magic" identify spells within a spellbook?

I have read the "Arcane Magical" writings section in the core rulebook, but it seems specific to understanding a spell to write it into your own spellbook.

Does simply identifying a spell contained within a spellbook require Spellcraft or Read Magic?

[Bwang]

In my game RM is needed to have a shot, spellcraft modifies the check. Best check with your GM as this is a campaign modification.

[Starglim]

Read magic would definitely work and seems like a more sensible method for official investigators to use than hit-and-miss skill checks. The GM might even create a minor magic item that the authorities produce in numbers and give to their spell inspectors.

[karkon]

Read magic basically lets you read anyone's spell books and know the spells within.

It does not let you know how to cast the spell so 1st level casters could do all the checking.

[PrimalWarrior]

How would I go about protecting my spellbook from such inspection?

[Starglim]

Secret page makes each spell look like some other piece of writing. It would be expensive, until you or one of your party can cast the spell yourself.

You could hide your spellbook from sight or make it look like something other than a book. A spellbook doesn't, for example, detect as magical, unless you cast spells on it.

[zagnabbit]

Make a duplicate Spellbook.
Honestly, that's a go to strategy in a world where your spellbook could be seized.
It was common practice in older versions of the game.
Keep a "legal" spellbook, this one has all of your licensed spells and is probably the one you will keep on you. Then keep a backup emergency book, with the spells you may need in an emergency when your main book is gone. Then make your "grimoire", the big book with all of your spells, even the NoNos. Come up with a clever hiding spot for this one.

Carry scrolls, even a used up one. That way if you get popped for an unlicensed spell, you can attempt a bluff check to claim it was a scroll cast in an emergency. Eat the fine and the community service.

[Ravingdork]

Starglim wrote:

Secret page makes each spell look like some other piece of writing. It would be expensive...

If you are only concealing the illegal spells within the book (as opposed to the whole book), I don't see how this would get too costly. I also recommend regular castings of magic aura to conceal the secret page aura.