[RPG] spell, magical item, or any other method to accurately calculate how long ago an object/construct was created

dnd-5edungeons-and-dragonslore

I'm interested in D&D 5e but I will also accept answers from previous D&D versions as well as similar systems (e.g., Pathfinder 1e/2e).


Janathiel II, famous historian, cartographer, and the Grand Wizard of Whitescar is studying the ancient structures of Ær-Toril known as Rhas.

These are gigantic and ancient structures/areas that cannot possibly have been created by nature. For example, Rhas Nolh is an almost perfect mountain pass that spans more than 100 kilometres, Rhas Aldhaen is an ancient forest that does not age (i.e., each tree is forever the same), etc.

Janathiel II has a theory: All of the Rhas constructs were created approximately during the same time period/era possibly by a technologically/magically advanced civilization.

To test this theory, however, he needs an accurate way of measuring how old an object is. Even worse, this method should be accurate even when counting thousands of years (if not hundreds of thousands).

If Janathiel II was living on Earth during the 21st century he could have used radiocarbon dating, but unfortunately for him, he lives in Ær-Toril.

Is there a spell, magical item, or any other method Janathiel II can use to accurately calculate how long ago an object/construct was created?


I am aware that I can create such a spell or item myself. Before I do that however I am interested in existing approaches, as well, some out of the box thinking.

Best Answer

Use the Legend Lore spell:

The spell brings to your mind a brief summary of the significant lore about the [person, place, or object] you named. The lore might consist of current tales, forgotten stories, or even secret lore that has never been widely known. If the thing you named isn't of legendary importance, you gain no information.

The more information you already have about the thing, the more precise and detailed the information you receive is. (...)

This solution does not depend on the knowledge possessed by gods or dead sages, like Pierre's answer, but the result might not be detailed enough for your needs, or given in a figurative rather than literal language. Theoretically you could cast this spell repeatedly, building on the knowledge gained on the last attempt, though my GM mind screams to put some kind of limit on that.