Ok, I've been playing PF for a few years now, but I've determined I'm still not sure about which magic items need the UMD skill to operate. So, I'm coming to everyone here for help.
Some items I'm pretty sure don't need a UMD check to use, like potions, magic weapons, or magic armor. But, the rest sort of throw me off and is a constant point of debate among the members of my group.
So, to get some answers, I'd like just a simple yes or no answer to the following categories. Thank you in advance
Artifacts:
Rings:
Rods:
Scrolls:
Staves:
Wands:
Wondrous Items:
Any advice or help is appreciated.
The point of UMD is to "fake it" with all magic items that have usage restrictions (need to know the spell, need to be a certain race, etc). I don't know of any magic items that expressly need it.
There are two resources on when a UMD check is required. The skill itself and the magic items chapter. Enjoy.
I'm not going to give a case-by-case breakdown. That would take too long and there's a lot of stuff involved with UMD in general. But, again, no magic item expressly calls for a UMD check to use it. UMD is for non-casters or not-the-right-caster to use a magic item. And, if there's a magic item or something I linked earlier doesn't call for UMD then it doesn't need it, like potions.
Thanks!
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I will say, though, that scrolls can be tricky. Don't just read the skill DC chart and think you're set. Read the scrolls portion of the magic items chapter. Fo' serious.
The most common uses for UMD are the use of scrolls and wands by classes who do not have the spell in question on their spell list (if they even have one). The classic example is to use a CLW wand.
Few miscellaneous items, rings or artefacts have a special requirement to use - i.e. everyone can use them without using a skill. Cases where you fake class, alignment or race are few and far between, but there are some (e.g. incense of meditation works usually only for divine casters).
But as Buri says, read all the related rules carefully...how long does it take to use UMD, read a scroll, trigger a wand, how many checks of what DC are needed, and so on.
The most common uses for UMD are the use of scrolls and wands by classes who do not have the spell in question on their spell list (if they even have one). The classic example is to use a CLW wand.
A less obvious use would be to get greater effect for an item that's limited to race.
Anyone can use Boots of Escape to get a 30 foot teleport once per day. But using UMD to emulate a gnome would allow you to get the greater distances a gnome would get out of the item.
Paizo adventures sometimes have a UMD or Disable Device check to activate/disable a custom magical portal/door/whatever.