Can Wizards Use Scrolls From Other Classes? A Deep Dive into 5e Magic
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, wizards can use spell scrolls created by other classes, within certain limitations. The crucial factor is whether the spell on the scroll appears on the wizard’s spell list. If it does, the wizard can decipher and cast the spell from the scroll, regardless of which class originally created it. This opens up a fascinating avenue for wizards to expand their magical repertoire beyond the spells they automatically learn. Let’s explore this concept further and unravel the nuances involved.
Understanding Spell Scrolls and Class Spell Lists
Before diving deeper, it’s vital to understand the core mechanics at play: spell scrolls and class spell lists.
- Spell Scrolls: These are single-use items that contain the written essence of a spell. When read and activated, they allow a character to cast that spell one time.
- Class Spell Lists: Each spellcasting class in 5e (Wizard, Cleric, Druid, etc.) has a specific list of spells they can learn and cast. These lists represent the types of magic that are most readily accessible to that class due to their training, deity, or innate abilities.
The interplay between these two determines whether a wizard can benefit from a scroll created by, say, a cleric or druid.
The Wizard’s Advantage: Spellbook and Transcription
Wizards possess a unique ability compared to most other spellcasters: their spellbook. This is a magical tome where they record spells they learn throughout their adventures. This feature enables the wizard to add spells from scrolls to their collection, provided the spell meets specific criteria.
The Player’s Handbook (PHB) outlines the rules for copying spells into a spellbook. The key points are:
- The spell must be a wizard spell (meaning it’s on the wizard’s spell list).
- The spell must be of a level for which the wizard has spell slots.
- The wizard must be able to decipher and copy the spell, which takes time and resources.
This means that a wizard can copy spells from scrolls, even if they were originally created by another class like a cleric or a druid, as long as the spell appears on the wizard’s spell list.
Scrolls and Limitations
It’s important to note that while wizards can copy spells from scrolls, they cannot create their own spell scrolls by default. There are optional rules in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything that allow for the creation of scrolls, but these are not standard rules.
Furthermore, the wizard can only copy spells into their spellbook if they have the appropriate spell slots. This prevents them from copying high-level spells too early in their career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to wizards using scrolls from other classes, based on your provided article extract:
1. Can a wizard learn Guiding Bolt from a scroll?
Yes, if Guiding Bolt is on the wizard spell list. Although typically associated with divine classes, if a wizard can acquire a scroll containing this spell, they can learn it as if it were a wizard spell and cast it as normal. This assumes your Dungeon Master allows the wizard access to a scroll containing spells typically not available to wizards.
2. Can a wizard learn Eldritch Blast from a scroll?
No, Eldritch Blast is not on the wizard spell list. The only way for a wizard to gain access to Eldritch Blast is through feats like Magic Initiate or Spell Sniper, not through copying it from a scroll.
3. Can a wizard copy cantrips from a scroll?
Typically, no. DMs usually restrict wizards from copying cantrips from scrolls. A wizard’s spellbook represents the cantrips they naturally “know,” and they are limited in the number of cantrips they can learn. The DM has the final say.
4. Can a barbarian use a spell scroll?
Not easily. Barbarians lack the Spellcasting feature, so they must make an Intelligence check to successfully cast a spell from a scroll. The difficulty of this check is determined by the spell’s level.
5. Can a sorcerer use a wizard scroll?
Yes, sorcerers can use scrolls containing spells that are on both the sorcerer and wizard spell lists. The ability to cast the spell already simply removes the need for the spellcasting ability check required to cast spells from scrolls.
6. Can a wizard use a druid scroll?
Yes, if the spell on the druid scroll is also on the wizard spell list, the wizard can transcribe it into their spellbook.
7. What are the general rules for spell scrolls?
A spell scroll contains a single spell written in a mystical cipher. To use it, the spell must be on your class’s spell list. If so, you can cast the spell without material components. Otherwise, the scroll is unintelligible.
8. Can a ranger use scrolls?
Rangers need the Spellcasting feature that allows them to access that class spell list to be able to use the spell scroll, if they do not have that feature, the ranger will not be able to use the scroll.
9. Can a dragon learn spells from scrolls?
Dragons can be spellcasters, but they are typically innate casters. If a dragon has spellcasting levels, they can learn spells from scrolls like any other spellcaster, provided the spell is on their spell list.
10. Can alchemists learn spells from scrolls?
Alchemists can learn formulas from a wizard’s spellbook if the formula is equivalent to a spell in the spellbook. However, a wizard cannot learn spells from an alchemist’s formula book.
11. Can wizards copy spells from other schools of magic?
Yes, wizards can copy and learn spells from other schools of magic, as long as the spell is on their spell list and they have the appropriate spell slots.
12. What if a cleric doesn’t have a spellbook?
If a Cleric doesn’t have a spellbook, they would have to first scribe a spell to a scroll before the wizard could acquire it.
13. Can a wizard learn Bane from a scroll?
Yes, wizards can learn spells like bane from scolls as if they were wizard spells, then prepare and cast them as normal.
14. Can spell scrolls be used by any class?
There are 2 kinds of magic scrolls in 5e. Spell scrolls and other scrolls. Anyone, unless it’s listed specifically, can use “other” scrolls. But spell scrolls can only be used by a class that has that spell in their class’s spell list.
15. Can wizards learn any spell from scrolls?
Yes, a wizard can learn a spell from a scroll created by a cleric as long as that spell is also on the wizard spell list. Scrolls are not specific to class type. As long as the spell exists on a spell list that you have access to, you can read and cast the spell.
The DM’s Discretion and Homebrew Rules
Ultimately, the Dungeon Master (DM) has the final say on how scrolls work in their campaign. They may choose to alter the rules or introduce homebrew mechanics that affect a wizard’s ability to learn spells from scrolls. It’s always a good idea to discuss any specific questions or concerns with your DM before attempting to copy a spell from a scroll.
The power of adapting rules is well understood at the Games Learning Society, where the focus is to create the best learning and gaming environments. Check out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Wizards, with their spellbooks and inherent thirst for magical knowledge, are uniquely positioned to benefit from spell scrolls found throughout their adventures. By understanding the rules governing spell lists and transcription, wizards can significantly expand their repertoire and become truly versatile spellcasters. The key is to always check if the spell is on the wizard’s spell list and to work closely with your DM to clarify any ambiguities. Happy adventuring!