General Rules: Feats - Expert Bardic Knowledge

Expert Bardic Knowledge [Special] (from Path of Magic)
You are able to coax information from the most reluctant of subjects - magic items.
   Prerequisites: Perform 6+ ranks, and any two of Bardic Chanting, Bardic Dancing, Bardic Instrumentals, or Bardic Singing.
   Benefit: You are able to identify the properties of magic items by entering a trance-like mystical performance. Though time consuming, this is the surest method for uncovering the secrets of such powerful objects.

   To use this ability, the bard must be alone with the item and have plenty of time to enter his trance and explore the item's magical resonances. After 1d4 hours, the bard slips into a performance trance. Each hour after this, he is allowed to make a single Perform check (DC 20). If the check succeeds, the bard discovers one of the item's functions and understands how that function is activated. if the bard exceeds the DC by 10 or more, he uncovers two of the item's functions and how to activate them. Conversely, if a bard fails two of his Perform checks in a row, he is unable to divine any more useful information about the item. He may investigate the item again after achieving a level, but is otherwise unable to determine anything about the item.

   The bard may continue exploring the item for up to eight hours, after which he must receive a full night's rest before he can use this feat again.

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