A reaction roll can be used to determine the sword’s initial disposition to its possessor. If the reaction is friendly, the sword may be helpful and inform its owner of its powers. Otherwise, it will expect its new owner to prove themselves first, and it may reveal its powers over time. It is able to use its powers on its own if it feels like it.
Intelligent swords do not have the “lower” communication abilities, only the one(s) listed. For example, an INT 14 sword with speech will not also have empathy and semi-empathy.1)
The detect magic power of an intelligent sword is able to detect whether the magic is strong or weak (like a cleric's detect magic), but does not have the ability to detect higher at a higher fidelity like a magic-user's detect magic, nor does it have the ability to detect spell schools. Your DM may create special sentient swords that are otherwise.2)
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