You know, I just don't see it as a "skill" if you can walk out of the Academy, handle strange objects, and instantly know everything about them.

I like the way Lore works right now. If you're a young and inexperienced adventurer (and probably have lore at 75% or less), you don't have a good feel for what all those fancy items are about. However, any seasoned old veteran who has used the skill reasonably often can pull the "Ah. That sword looks like it was made by duergar... let me take a look at its edge...." angle.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com