Unlocking Arcane Secrets: A Guide to Learning Spells from Scrolls in D&D and Beyond
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So, you’ve stumbled upon a dusty old scroll radiating magical power and you’re itching to add its secrets to your repertoire? But which classes can actually learn spells from scrolls? The answer, like many things in the world of Dungeons & Dragons and similar fantasy RPGs, is nuanced and depends on the specific game system you’re playing. However, the core principle remains the same: certain classes, primarily those with a robust spellcasting tradition and a means of recording spells, are best suited to learning from scrolls.
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), the Wizard reigns supreme in this regard. Their unique class feature allows them to transcribe spells from scrolls into their spellbook, effectively adding those spells to their known repertoire. This is a core aspect of the Wizard’s identity, allowing them to expand their magical knowledge beyond what they initially learn at character creation and level-up.
However, the ability to learn spells from scrolls isn’t exclusive to Wizards. Here’s a breakdown for 5e, followed by a broader look at other game systems:
- Wizards (5e): As mentioned, they are the primary class that can learn spells from scrolls. They copy the spell into their spellbook by spending time and gold, subject to an Intelligence (Arcana) check.
- Alchemists (Pathfinder): In Pathfinder, alchemists can study a wizard’s spellbook to learn any formula that is equivalent to a spell the spellbook contains. A wizard, however, cannot learn spells from a formula book.
- Magus (Pathfinder): Similar to Wizards, Magus can learn spells from Scrolls. However, they still need the correct spell slots for those spells they got from scrolls.
- Potentially Others (With DM Discretion): While not explicitly stated, a Dungeon Master (DM) might allow other classes with spellbooks or similar mechanics (like artificers or certain homebrew classes) to learn from scrolls under specific circumstances, perhaps requiring a feat or a significant roleplaying justification.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3): In the video game adaptation, Baldur’s Gate 3, this core mechanic is preserved. Gale, or any Wizard character in BG3, can learn spells you cast with a scroll.
It’s crucial to remember that not just any scroll will do. The spell on the scroll must be of a level the character can learn, and in 5e, it must be a spell that appears on their class’s spell list (with some exceptions for subclasses like Arcane Tricksters who use the Wizard spell list). For instance, a Cleric cannot normally learn a Wizard spell from a scroll, and vice versa.
The accessibility of learning spells from scrolls also varies greatly between editions of D&D and other RPG systems. Some older editions might have stricter rules, while others might offer greater flexibility. Always consult your game’s rulebook and, more importantly, discuss with your DM to clarify how scrolls work in your specific campaign. Understanding the core mechanics of your game system is critical to avoid any confusion. Consider joining the Games Learning Society to enhance your understanding of games. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Learning Spells from Scrolls
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the intricacies of learning spells from scrolls:
Can any class use spell scrolls?
No, not all classes can learn spells from scrolls. In 5e, only classes that have a mechanism for permanently adding spells to their repertoire, like the Wizard’s spellbook, can truly learn from scrolls. Other classes can use spell scrolls to cast a spell once, but they don’t retain that knowledge permanently. However, anyone, unless it’s listed specifically, can use “other” scrolls.
What’s the difference between using a scroll and learning from a scroll?
Using a scroll is a one-time event. You expend the scroll to cast the spell contained within. Learning from a scroll, on the other hand, involves a process of transcription and study that allows you to permanently add the spell to your repertoire. This typically requires a specific class feature or ability.
Can a Cleric learn spells from scrolls?
Generally, no. A Cleric can use a scroll containing a Cleric spell, but they cannot learn a new spell from it in the way a Wizard can. Clerics prepare their spells each day from the entire Cleric spell list, so they don’t need to learn spells in the same way. A spell scroll contains a single spell which is only readable and usable if the spell is on whatever spell list that is used by your class.
Can Warlocks learn spells from scrolls in 5e?
No, Warlocks cannot add spells from scrolls to their known spells. They learn spells when leveling up.
Can Druids learn spells from scrolls in 5e?
Similar to Clerics, Druids do not learn spells from scrolls. They prepare spells from the Druid spell list each day.
Can Paladins use spell scrolls?
Paladins, as divine spellcasters, can only use scrolls containing divine spells. However, they cannot learn spells from scrolls. Arcane spellcasters (wizards, sorcerers, and bards) can only use scrolls containing arcane spells, and divine spellcasters (clerics, druids, paladins, and rangers) can only use scrolls containing divine spells.
Can Arcane Tricksters or Eldritch Knights learn spells from scrolls?
Arcane Tricksters and Eldritch Knights (subclasses of Rogue and Fighter, respectively) learn spells from leveling up. They do not have spellbooks and cannot add spells from scrolls to their known spells.
Can a Wizard learn non-Wizard spells from scrolls?
Normally, no. A Wizard can only learn spells that appear on the Wizard spell list. However, a DM might allow exceptions under specific circumstances, perhaps through a feat like “Magic Initiate” or a unique story event. In some games, like Baldur’s Gate 3, this rule may be relaxed, allowing Wizards to learn spells from scrolls that are not normally on their list.
How much does it cost to learn a spell from a scroll (5e)?
In 5e, learning a spell from a scroll and transcribing it into your spellbook costs both time and gold. The time is typically 2 hours per spell level, and the gold is 50 gp per spell level. So, learning a 3rd-level spell would take 6 hours and cost 150 gp.
Can you learn Cantrips from scrolls?
A wizard can only copy a cantrip from a scroll into a spellbook if the DM allows it. Typically this is not allowed because typically your spellbook reflects the spells you “know” and you can only “know” so many cantrips.
Can a Warlock teach a Wizard a spell?
Yes, with Arcane Notes. Wizards can copy spells into their books from sources other than scrolls, such as from your own, or another Wizard’s spell book.
Do alchemists count as spellcasters in Pathfinder?
Although the alchemist doesn’t actually cast spells, he does have a formulae list that determines what extracts he can create. An alchemist can utilize spell-trigger items if the spell appears on his formulae list, but not spell-completion items (unless he uses Use Magic Device to do so).
Can a warlock make scrolls?
No, they can’t; only known spells can be scribed into scrolls.
Can bards learn spells from scrolls?
No. The bard knows a certain number of spells and can’t switch them unless it gains a level. It can learn any spell from the bard spell list only. Magical Secret is the only way to learn spells from other classes’ spell lists.
Can Eldritch Knights learn spells from scrolls bg3?
Re: Question – Should Eldritch Knights be able to “learn” new spells like a Wizard? Yeah, 5e rules do not allow Eldritch Knights to use spell books. They can change one of the spells they know when levelling up. They are also supposed to be mostly limited to Abjuration and Evocation spells.
Ultimately, the ability to learn spells from scrolls is a powerful tool for expanding your character’s magical potential. Whether you’re a meticulous Wizard meticulously copying ancient spells into your spellbook or an Alchemist experimenting with new formulas, understanding the rules of your game system is key to unlocking the full potential of these arcane treasures. Remember to consult your DM and embrace the collaborative storytelling aspect of tabletop roleplaying to create a memorable and engaging gaming experience. We suggest reviewing the research from the Games Learning Society on how to effectively include game elements in your campaigns. You can check out their work by visiting https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.