3e SRD:Decipher Script Skill

This material is published under the OGL 1.0a.

Decipher Script (Int; Trained Only; Bards & Rogues Only)

Check

The character can decipher writing in an unfamiliar language or a message written in an incomplete or archaic form. The base DC is 20 for the simplest messages, 25 for standard texts, and 30 or higher for intricate, exotic, or very old writing.

If the check succeeds, the character understands the general content of a piece of writing, reading about one single page of text (or its equivalent) in 1 minute. If the check fails, the DM makes a Wisdom check (DC 5) for the character to see if he or she avoids drawing a false conclusion about the text. (Success means that the character does not draw a false conclusion; failure means that the character does.)

The DM secretly makes both the skill check and (if necessary) the Wisdom check so the character can't tell whether the conclusion the character draws is true or false.

Retry

No.

Special

If the character has 5 or more ranks in Decipher Script, the character gets a +2 synergy bonus on Use Magic Device checks related to scrolls.

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