Editing Reader

{{migrated article}}
{{old}}
{{Quality|Unrated}}
{{Skill
| color      = 3:0
| skill      = Reader
| profession = Unknown
| job name   = None
| tasks      = None
| attributes =
* Memory
* Unknown
}}
{{av}}

'''Reader''' is a skill used to read objects containing writing, such as [[book]]s, signs and [[slab]]s (both built and unbuilt). The skill can be assigned points during [[adventurer mode#Character Creation|character creation]]. Currently, being a [[skill|novice]] reader is enough to read anything; getting a higher skill is regarded as a waste of points. 

'''How to read in adventurer mode:'''
*Pick up ({{k|g}}) the object you want to read, either putting it in your inventory or holding it in your hands.
*Press {{k|I}}.
*Select the object you wish to read from your inventory list by pressing the letter it is represented by.
*Press {{k|a}} to select "Read".

If you have at least Novice skill in reader, all the information contained in the object will be shown. If the object contained a secret, you will learn it if you meet the secret's requirements. Since [[necromancer|necromancy]] can only be obtained through reading books or slabs containing the secrets of life and death, it is required for you to be at least a novice reader in order to become a necromancer in adventurer mode.

[[File:Readingpoemnecrosecret.PNG]]

If you have no reader skill at all, you will simply be told that {{DFtext|You cannot read.|4:1}}.
  
Looking at the object/building's description will also reveal some information about its contents - all information contained on memorial slabs and shop signs, for example, can be seen here. However, examining a book you have not read before will leave you with {{DFtext|You have not read this book yet.|7:0}} and examining secret-containing slabs will only give you the name of the secret it contains, such as {{DFtext|The slab reads "The secrets of life and death".|7:0}} 

On the other hand, examining these objects/buildings if you are illiterate will give you this message:
{{DFtext|There is writing in the book/on the slab, but you cannot read.|7:0}}

In the current version, the Reader skill cannot be gained after character creation, as there is no way to learn it. Experience is gained slowly by reading new books. Re-reading the same books doesn't seem to increase the skill. Currently a high reader skill doesn't seem to affect anything related to reading, although it will raise the associated [[attributes]]. It is advisable for you to put points in Reader during character creation if you do not want your adventurer to be illiterate forever. 

Reader is currently used in [[fortress mode]] to read written [[quire]]s, [[codex|codices]] and [[scroll]]s.  Its exact benefit is unknown.
{{Skills}}