Who Can Use Scrolls in 5e? A Comprehensive Guide
In the enchanting world of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (5e), scrolls are invaluable tools that allow characters to access spells and other magical effects. However, not all characters can use all scrolls. The key lies in understanding the different types of scrolls and the restrictions associated with them. In essence, anyone can attempt to use a non-spell scroll, but using spell scrolls hinges on whether the spell on the scroll is on your character class’s spell list. For those with the Spellcasting feature, if the spell appears on their class list, they can typically use it. Some exceptions and nuances apply, which we’ll explore in depth.
Understanding Scroll Types in 5e
There are generally two categories of scrolls in 5e:
- Spell Scrolls: These contain magical spells and are governed by stricter usage rules.
- Other Scrolls (Non-Spell Scrolls): These scrolls might contain magical effects that aren’t necessarily spells, such as scrolls of protection. They are generally more accessible.
Spell Scrolls
A spell scroll allows a character to cast a spell without using a spell slot or needing material components. This is a huge boon, especially for casters running low on resources. However, the main caveat is that the character must have the spell on their class’s spell list. Here’s the breakdown:
- Class Spell List: To use a spell scroll, the spell must be on the spell list for your character’s class. For example, a wizard can only use spell scrolls containing wizard spells, a cleric can only use cleric spells, and so on.
- Exceptions: There are specific exceptions. The Eldritch Knight fighter and the Arcane Trickster rogue, both subclasses that gain access to wizard spells, can use wizard spell scrolls. This is because their Spellcasting feature specifically grants them access to the wizard spell list.
- Casting the Spell: When you use a spell scroll, you are essentially casting the spell. Any rules that apply to casting the spell normally, such as concentration requirements, still apply when casting it from a scroll.
Non-Spell Scrolls
These scrolls contain magical effects that are not spells, such as Scrolls of Protection. The rules for these scrolls are much simpler:
- Readability: Anyone who can read the language the scroll is written in can attempt to activate it.
- Activation: These scrolls often have a simple activation method, such as reading the scroll aloud.
- Universal Use: Since they are not tied to specific class spell lists, any character, regardless of their class, can typically use these types of scrolls.
Class-Specific Considerations
Let’s delve into how scrolls work for specific classes in 5e:
- Wizards: Wizards can use any spell scroll containing a wizard spell. They can also copy spells from scrolls into their spellbooks, allowing them to learn new spells permanently. For educators looking for resources, the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers insights into how gaming mechanics can be applied to learning environments.
- Clerics: Clerics can use any spell scroll containing a cleric spell.
- Sorcerers: Sorcerers can use any spell scroll containing a sorcerer spell.
- Bards: Bards can use any spell scroll containing a bard spell. It’s worth noting that some spells are on multiple class lists, so a bard might be able to use a scroll that also contains a wizard or ranger spell, if it’s on the bard list.
- Druids: Druids can use any spell scroll containing a druid spell.
- Paladins: Paladins can use any spell scroll containing a paladin spell. This is often divine magic.
- Rangers: Rangers can use any spell scroll containing a ranger spell. This is also divine magic.
- Warlocks: Warlocks can use any spell scroll containing a warlock spell.
- Artificers: Artificers are unique. They can use any scroll (or any magic item) without needing to meet any of the requirements of Spell Scroll Casting. This versatility makes them highly valuable in parties that frequently use magic items.
- Rogues (Thief Subclass): Rogues, specifically those of the Thief subclass, can use the Use Magic Device feature to attempt to use any spell scroll, regardless of whether the spell is on their class list. This feature essentially allows them to bypass the typical class restrictions.
- Fighters (Eldritch Knight Subclass): Eldritch Knights can use any spell scroll containing a wizard spell, as their Spellcasting feature draws from the wizard spell list.
- Monks, Barbarians: By default, these classes do not have the Spellcasting Feature. But if you are Multiclassing, then follow the same rules as everyone else.
The Importance of Identifying Spells
Before attempting to use a spell scroll, it’s crucial to identify the spell it contains. Identifying a scroll typically requires using the Identify spell or spending a short rest examining the scroll. This step is essential to ensure you know what spell you’re about to cast and to verify that it’s on your class’s spell list. If a scroll contains a spell that you cannot use, attempting to cast it automatically fails, and the scroll is wasted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can anyone use a Scroll of Protection?
Yes, the general rule is that anyone who can read the language the scroll is written in can attempt to activate it. This makes it so anyone can use types of scrolls that aren’t spell scrolls, such as a Scroll of Protection.
2. Can Paladins use spell scrolls in 5e?
Yes, but only spell scrolls containing paladin spells. The spell must be on the paladin’s class spell list.
3. Can Rangers use spell scrolls?
Yes, if the spell on the scroll is on the ranger’s spell list. Typically, rangers will be using scrolls that contain divine magic.
4. Can Warlocks make spell scrolls?
The rules on scribing a spell scroll state that only known spells can be scribed into scrolls.
5. Can Thieves (Rogues) use spell scrolls?
Yes. The Thief subclass for rogues can use the Use Magic Device feature to attempt to use any spell scroll, even if the spell is not on their class list.
6. Can Sorcerers use spell scrolls?
Yes, but only spell scrolls containing sorcerer spells.
7. Can Bards use spell scrolls?
Yes, if the spell is on the bard spell list. Some spells are on multiple spell lists.
8. Can Clerics use spell scrolls?
Yes, but only spell scrolls containing cleric spells.
9. Can Artificers use spell scrolls?
Yes! Artificers are unique and can use any scroll (or any magic item) without needing to meet any of the requirements, due to their class features.
10. What happens if I try to use a spell scroll with a spell not on my class list?
The attempt automatically fails, and the scroll is wasted. This underscores the importance of identifying the spell on the scroll before attempting to use it.
11. Do spell scrolls require concentration in 5e?
Yes, if the spell normally requires concentration, you must concentrate on the spell cast from the scroll just as you would if you cast it using a spell slot.
12. Can Wizards copy spells from spell scrolls into their spellbooks?
Yes. A wizard can copy a wizard spell from a spell scroll into their spellbook, just as they would copy a spell from another spellbook.
13. Do I need material components to cast a spell from a spell scroll?
No. One of the primary benefits of using a spell scroll is that you do not need to provide material components to cast the spell.
14. Can an Eldritch Knight cast scrolls?
Yes, they can use spell scrolls containing wizard spells, as their Spellcasting feature grants them access to the wizard spell list.
15. Does using a spell scroll consume a spell slot?
No. Using a spell scroll allows you to cast the spell without expending a spell slot.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules surrounding scroll usage in 5e is crucial for maximizing your character’s potential and effectively managing resources. Remember to identify your scrolls, know your class spell list, and leverage the unique abilities of classes like Artificers and Thief rogues. With this knowledge, you can confidently wield the power of scrolls to overcome challenges and enhance your adventures in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.