I've been wondering over something for a while. Sometimes, you can identify things just by looking at it, if you do it with a mage or a bard or such. It doesn't work on the really cool things though, mainly just +1 and things. What's that all about? How does it work?

That's the effect of a high Lore... read the manual for more info, but it's pretty straightforward.

If you look at your character's stats, you'll see a "Lore" rating. Each person has one. It is generated on a given number of points per level, differing by class. I believe that Thieves get 3 points/level, wizards get 5(?), and Bards get...maybe 7?...

This number is factored somehow for a higher INT/WIS to come up with a Lore rating. Each magical item you come across in the game has a Lore rating. If the character trying to identify it has a Lore rating that is the same as or higher than the item's Lore number, then he/she will identify it. If not, then you've got to use a spell/glasses, or find someone who can identify it.

Thiefes and mages gain 3 at eatch level, and bards gain 10 for eatch level.
Other gain one for eatch level.

Stupit that cleric's dont get 3 our 5 at eatch level, they know more things than mages i think.