Detect Magic and magic scrolls

[prophet1]

If a character with active Detect Magic focuses on a magic scroll (say, scroll of flaming sphere CL5th), what information should they be able to get with the spell?

The core rulebook is a little sketchy on detail about WHAT constitutes "the properties of magic items" in specific cases like this.

Just to be clear - I *know* that you don't normally use Detect Magic to identify the spell on a magic scroll. Normally you make a Spellcraft check to decipher the scroll, or cast Read Magic.

But if someone *does* use Detect Magic to concentrate for 3 rounds on a magic scroll (so they can use Spellcraft to identify magic item's properties), what do I as a GM tell them? Do I reveal the spell name? Its basic function? Scroll type (arcane/divine)?

I assume Detect Magic used in this manner should not give out full information about the spell, since the Spellcraft DC in this case can be lower than the DC to decipher the scroll.

[Grick]

prophet1 wrote:

If a character with active Detect Magic focuses on a magic scroll (say, scroll of flaming sphere CL5th), what information should they be able to get with the spell?

Using Detect Magic:

Round 1: Presence of magical auras.
Round 2: One aura, the most potent of which is Faint.
Round 3: One Faint aura, emanating from that rolled up paper.
Round 3 (optional): Knowledge (arcana) skill check to determine the school of magic, DC 17. Success: The school is evocation.

If the character wants to spend three (more) rounds concentrating while thoroughly examining the object, he can make a Spellcraft check to Identify the properties of a magic item using detect magic. The DC is 20 (15 + item's caster level). Success: It's a scroll of flaming sphere.

If the character wants to activate the scroll, he must first Decipher the Writing either by casting a read magic spell or making a successful DC 22 Spellcraft check as a full-round action (DC 20 + spell level).