Arcana
| Name | Arcana |
|---|---|
| Ability | Intelligence |
Arcana measures your knowledge of magical theory, including information about spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, and the planes of existence.
Common Uses
- Identify Spells: Recognize spells as they are being cast or by their effects
- Recall Magical Lore: Remember information about magical creatures, traditions, or phenomena
- Detect Magic: Recognize the presence or nature of magical auras
- Understand Magic Items: Determine the properties or purpose of magic items
- Planar Knowledge: Recall information about the planes of existence
Example DCs
| DC | Task |
|---|---|
| 10 | Identify a common spell effect |
| 15 | Recall lore about a magical creature |
| 20 | Understand the purpose of a complex magical ritual |
| 25 | Identify a rare or ancient magical phenomenon |
Related Features
- Wizards and other Intelligence-based casters use Arcana extensively
- The Detect Magic spell supplements Arcana checks
- The Identify spell provides automatic success on magic item identification
Synergies
Characters proficient in Arcana often benefit from:
- High Intelligence scores
- Wizard, sorcerer, or warlock class levels
- Magic Initiate or Ritual Caster feats
- Access to divination magic