To be able to identify things you have to train the artifact skill. You might have to train another skill first to open up that option, but right now I can't remember (I'm at work). Anyway, that's done in either the Wizard's or the Priest's guilds. Furthermore, it's important to complete the different guild quests because you increase your status within the guild. Some training options does not become awailable until you reach a certain status. For example, 2
weapon training won't be possible until you reach Warrior's guild level 4. And you won't reach that level until you are in Ishad N'ha.
Good questing
//Jazzid