Can Fighters Cast Spell Scrolls? Unraveling the Arcane Mysteries
The answer, in short, is it depends on the type of fighter. While the base Fighter class lacks the innate ability to cast spells, the Eldritch Knight subclass provides a crucial exception. Only an Eldritch Knight Fighter can utilize spell scrolls, but with a significant caveat: the spell on the scroll must be from the Wizard class’ spell list. Therefore, a standard Battle Master or Champion Fighter cannot cast from a spell scroll, regardless of its contents. The Eldritch Knight, however, can access a limited form of arcane magic through this means.
Understanding Spell Scroll Mechanics
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify the fundamental mechanics of spell scrolls in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
- Casting Time: Casting a spell from a scroll requires the spell’s normal casting time. A quickened spell, for example, still maintains its quickened casting time even when cast from a scroll.
- One-Time Use: Once cast, the scroll crumbles to dust, making them consumable items.
- Interruption: If the casting is interrupted, the scroll itself is not lost, but the spell fails to take effect. You would need to attempt to cast the scroll again on a subsequent turn.
- Spell Lists are Key: Generally, to use a scroll, a character must have the corresponding spell on their class spell list.
The Eldritch Knight Exception
The Eldritch Knight’s ability to cast spells from scrolls derives from their connection to the Wizard’s arcane tradition. This unique connection allows them to bypass the general restriction that requires a class to have a spell on their spell list to cast it from a scroll. If the spell is on the Wizard list, and the Eldritch Knight attempts to cast it from a scroll, they are generally able to do so.
This provides the Eldritch Knight with some incredible versatility that they would not have otherwise. It allows them to gain temporary access to spells they would not normally be able to prepare and cast, greatly increasing their potential in combat.
The Importance of Spell Scrolls
Spell scrolls are important to make in D&D 5E for all classes capable of casting spells. They provide access to potentially life-saving or game-changing magic at crucial moments. For the Eldritch Knight, in particular, they add a layer of strategic depth to their spellcasting capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of spell scrolls and their use by fighters:
1. Can other Fighter subclasses use scrolls if they multiclass into a spellcasting class?
Yes, if a Fighter multiclasses into a class that can cast spells (such as Wizard, Cleric, or Sorcerer), they can use spell scrolls that are on the spell list of their spellcasting class. The Eldritch Knight subclass restriction only applies to the Fighter class itself.
2. What happens if an Eldritch Knight tries to cast a scroll with a spell not on the Wizard list?
The spellcasting attempt fails. The Eldritch Knight can only cast spells from scrolls if those spells appear on the Wizard spell list. Attempting to cast a spell from a scroll that is not on the wizard list will not consume the scroll, but the spell will not take effect.
3. Can Fighters create spell scrolls?
Fighters can create spell scrolls only if they meet the requirements: proficiency in Arcana and the ability to cast the spell in question. This is typically only possible for an Eldritch Knight. The optional rules for scribing scrolls can be found in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything.
4. What is the DC for copying a spell from a spell scroll?
When a Wizard copies a spell from a spell scroll into their spellbook, they must succeed on an Intelligence (Arcana) check with a DC equal to 10 + the spell’s level. If the check succeeds, the spell is successfully copied.
5. Are there scrolls for cantrips?
Yes, cantrip spell scrolls exist. The rules for spell scrolls do not exclude cantrips.
6. Can a Ranger use spell scrolls?
No. They do not have a spellcasting class feature (focus spells do not count) and no spell list either. You need both a casting feature and a spell list that contains whatever spell you wish to cast from a scroll/staff/wand/etc.
7. What is the difference between scrolls and spell scrolls?
“Spell scrolls” are different from regular “scrolls,” like the “Scroll of Protection.” Spell scrolls mimic spells, while other scrolls have different magical effects. The “Scroll of Protection” can be used by anyone, caster or not.
8. Can Paladins use spell scrolls?
Paladins are divine spellcasters and can only use scrolls containing divine spells.
9. Can Bards use spell scrolls?
Yes, if the spell is on the wizard spell list. There’s no such thing as a “bard scroll”. Scrolls have spells on them, and those spells may be on multiple spell lists.
10. Can Druids use spell scrolls?
Yes, Druids can use scrolls that contain druid spells, assuming they are not otherwise proscribed.
11. Can Warlocks make scrolls?
No, they can’t; only known spells can be scribed into scrolls. The optional rules on scribing a spell scroll state (Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, p.
12. Can Sorcerers scribe scrolls?
Yes, but you can only scribe a scroll you know, so you won’t be able to make duplicates of the spell scrolls you own (all means of copying from a spell scroll in 5e destroy the original scroll). And you can only cast spell scrolls for spells on your list (but you can cast spells you don’t know).
13. Where can you get spell scrolls?
You can get spell scrolls by finding them, crafting them, or buying them in games that have shops.
14. What makes scrolls important in D&D 5E?
Scrolls are IMPORTANT to make in D&D 5E because they allow you to use a spell without using a spell slot.
15. How do you cast spells from a scroll?
Simply charge the spell by holding the attack button down, aim, and release to use the scroll. Unlike a normal spell, using a scroll doesn’t cost any magicka, but it also doesn’t count as spell practice.
The Educational Power of D&D
Beyond the tactical advantages of spell scrolls, Dungeons & Dragons itself offers tremendous educational value. It encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. The Games Learning Society understands and promotes these benefits, exploring how games like D&D can be used as tools for learning and development. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Hopefully, this article has illuminated the somewhat arcane rules surrounding fighters and spell scrolls. Remember to consider the specific subclass and the spell list when determining whether a fighter can wield the magic contained within these potent items.