Casting From A Scroll In Combat - Walk Me Through It

[Olaf the Stout]

I am playing a Wizard PC for the first time in 3.xe. In fact, this is the first time I've played a spellcaster other than a Bard in 3.xe. My Wizard has a fair few scrolls and I just wanted to check that I am following the rules properly when I cast from them. Here is how I think it works:

1. Retrieve scroll from scroll case/pocket/bag/whatever (counts as retrieving a stored item) - Move action that draws an AoO
2. Cast spell from scroll - Standard action that draws an AoO

Provided I am of high enough level (and intelligence) to cast the spell normally there is no chance of a mishap. The casting time for the spell is exactly the same as it is when casting it from memory. The CL and Save DC is set by what CL the scroll was written at. The person casting the spell from the scroll has no effect on CL or Save DC's.

The only other thing I can remember is that I have to have the spell on my class list in order to be able to cast it (I can't cast a spell from the Bard or Cleric list for example).

Is there anything I have missed? I must say that the organisation for this particular rules area wasn't the best. I was flipping between the PHB and DMG just to find the info I needed.

Provided what I have stated above is correct, is there any way that I can make it quicker to retrieve a scroll (i.e. so it is not a Move action)? Is there any way of avoiding the 2 AoO's when casting from a scroll? For example, could I cast the scroll on the defensive and avoid an AoO for the casting?

If you cite any rules in the PHB or DMG could you please give me a page reference so I can show the DM in case it comes up during the session.

Thanks in advance,

Olaf the Stout

 

[calypso15]

A couple thoughts:

1) Using a scroll is a standard action, regardless of the casting time of the spell.

2) Retrieving an item from a Heward's Handy Haversack is still a move action, but does not provoke an AoO.

Calypso

 

[Hypersmurf]

1) Using a scroll is a standard action, regardless of the casting time of the spell.

No, it isn't.

DMG p213:
Activating a magic item is a standard action unless the item description indicates otherwise. However, the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item, whether it's a scroll, a wand, or a pair of boots, unless the item description specifically states otherwise.

Note that scrolls are the very first example used of "the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item unless the item description specifically states otherwise".

The item description for scrolls does not state otherwise.

-Hyp.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

Apart from the HHH, is there any other items or equipment that will help me retrieve and cast the scrolls quicker and/or help me avoid AoO?

And can you cast defensively from a scroll (and therefore avoid the AoO for casting from a scroll)?

Olaf the Stout

 

[calypso15]

No, it isn't.

DMG p213:
Activating a magic item is a standard action unless the item description indicates otherwise. However, the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item, whether it's a scroll, a wand, or a pair of boots, unless the item description specifically states otherwise.

Note that scrolls are the very first example used of "the casting time of a spell is the time required to activate the same power in an item unless the item description specifically states otherwise".

The item description for scrolls does not state otherwise.

-Hyp.

Hmm... you're invariably right Hypersmurf (as you will be in this case as well), but I'll see your "Activating a magic item" and raise you a "Spell Completion".

This is the activation method for scrolls. A scroll is a spell that is mostly finished. The preparation is done for the caster, so no preparation time is needed beforehand as with normal spellcasting. All that’s left to do is perform the finishing parts of the spellcasting (the final gestures, words, and so on). To use a spell completion item safely, a character must be of high enough level in the right class to cast the spell already. If he can’t already cast the spell, there’s a chance he’ll make a mistake. Activating a spell completion item is a standard action and provokes attacks of opportunity exactly as casting a spell does.

Calypso

 

[calypso15]

And can you cast defensively from a scroll (and therefore avoid the AoO for casting from a scroll)?

Yes.

Spell Completion Items

Activating a spell completion item is the equivalent of casting a spell. It requires concentration and provokes attacks of opportunity. You lose the spell if your concentration is broken, and you can attempt to activate the item while on the defensive, as with casting a spell.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Hmm... you're invariably right Hypersmurf (as you will be in this case as well), but I'll see your "Activating a magic item" and raise you a "Spell Completion".

Yup, but the description of the activation method is not the item description.

The description of the activation method is correct for the general case... which is the same general case stated in Activating a Magic Item: "Activating a magic item is a standard action". But in the specific case of an item replicating a spell effect, there's an exception - it's the casting time of the spell that's required. Whether that item's a scroll, a wand, or a pair of boots.

-Hyp.

 

[Tiberius]

Apart from the HHH, is there any other items or equipment that will help me retrieve and cast the scrolls quicker and/or help me avoid AoO?

In the FRCS, there exists a mundane scrollcase that will enable you to pull out scrolls as a free action. I'm uncertain if it has been reprinted since.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

There's a shield accessory that allows you to have a scroll unrolled and ready for casting, pinned to the inside of your shield. (Not much use for the arcanists, I guess.)

In my group, we allow the use of "bandoliers" holding scrolls and potions and the like, which makes it possible to (1) retrieve the item without provoking an AoO, and (2) retrieve the item in concert with moving, given the same requirements as drawing a weapon. IME, literally every DM I've played with allows this, but it's technically a house rule, I think.

We do try to keep in mind that anything that's easy to reach for the PC in question is also easy to reach for enemies, thieves, and fire.

 

[irdeggman]

I'll have to check my Spell Compendium when I get home - but IIRC the rules for activating a scroll are now different.

Basically it is either a standard action or the time to to cast the spell normally, whichever is longer. Basically this prevents using a scroll to cast a summon spell with a mere standard action and keeps a swift spell from being swift when reading a scroll (it is a standard action).