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PriestLv. 7

Understand Device

This spell enables the caster to learn, in detail and with complete understanding, the purpose and operation of any device (even those that are fragmented, disguised, or magical). The spell reveals their words of activation (if any), perils, traps and triggers, how the device was made and how it should be maintained, whether or not it has been moved or modified since its construction, and if it is complete. The names and natures of any substances, fuels, or spells necessary to operate the device are also revealed. The caster is instantly aware of exactly how to operate the device (though precision in its use, like riding a horse, requires practice).

To successfully cast this spell, a priest must touch some part of the device to be examined, though it may be far from the main workings of the assembly. (For example, touching a trip-wire would enable the priest to learn all about the trap it is meant to trigger.) The magic confers no special protection against the accidental activation of devices caused by the caster's touch. Understand device enables Gondsmen to penetrate many guarded places across Faerun, both avoiding and improving traps, loading, and transport devices, by borrowing the wisdom of others, even those long dead, of lands now fallen.

The material component is a glass rod melted and blown or twisted into a holy symbol of Gond. The rod is consumed by the spell. (The casters personal holy symbol may suffice in a pinch, and it can be of any material so long as it has previously been used in the casting of a spell; the spell consumes it.)

Notes: Granted by the god Gond, Lord of All Smiths, of the Forgotten Realms setting. This spell is found only in a few exceptionally rare tomes.

Sources: Priest's Spell Compendium

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