Class Question - who can use which magic item

[Morik]

Hello to all gamers out there,

although I'm not at all new to DND I'm somehow puzzled by the way DND 3.0 and 3.5 handles the classes (Fighter,Thief etc.) regarding who can use which magic item.

I remember how 2nd. Edition did restrict the classes for the usage of magic items. For example the fighter could not use magic staffs and the like (besides if the description of the staff in question did allow it though).

Now my question:
I couldn't find the entry in the 3.0 or 3.5 books which states which Magic Item classes the fighter, thief etc. are able to use. In the standard character class descriptions is not a single word about that, at least I couldn't find it.

Oh well, maybe I'm just blind for that.

The skill "use magical device" didn't helped me either.

If you can get me advice on that one I would really appreciate that.

Thanks in advance folks
ERIC

 

[shilsen]

Here's a really quick summary:

Spell completion (scrolls) and spell trigger (wands, staves) activation items are usable by characters who have the appropriate spell on their spell lists. Use-activated (magic weapons/armor) or command-word activated (boots of speed) items are usable by anyone. Some of the above have other restrictions based on alignment, spellcasting ability, etc. The Use Magic Device skill allows someone who doesn't meet the requirements to use a magic item anyway.

 

[dcollins]

You need to look in the DMG chapter on Magic Items where this is laid out.

(A) Scrolls ("Spell Completion"): Must have the spell on your class list (i.e., must be a spellcaster that can cast the spell), and be basically high enough level to actually cast it.

(B) Wands and Staffs ("Spell Trigger"): Must have the spell on your list.

(C) Everything Else ("Command Word" or "Use Activated"): Anyone can use them unless specifically restricted.

In other words, you've got to be a spellcaster to use scrolls, wands, or staffs. The Use Magic Device skill is specifically for getting around (short-circuiting) those restrictions and acting like a spellcaster when you're really not.

 

[glass]

(A) Scrolls ("Spell Completion"): Must have the spell on your class list (i.e., must be a spellcaster that can cast the spell), and be basically high enough level to actually cast it.

You must also be the right type of spellcaster for the scroll (ie arcane or divine). IOW, a bard cannot use a scroll of CLW created by a cleric without resorting to UMD.

Also, you don not have to high enough level, although there is a chance of failure if you are not. I forget the details, but I think a caster level check is involved.


glass.

 

[Morik]

Thank you all for your quick and very good answers.

This is all I need to know

Happy gamin' to ya

 

[Kae'Yoss]

fighter, thief etc.

Usually, I'm not pedantic, but the class isn't called thief anymore, but rogue (Like in "Morik the Rogue" )

It's actually one of my pet peeves: I played an arcane scout-like character in AD&D, realizing that with wizard/thief multiclass. Of course, there was that guy who said "he's a thief, I don't trust him". OK, I know, he was being an Idiot (he did that a lot), but it gave him a perfect excuse. The new class, rogue, is much more versatile than the old (which was already pretty versatile), and won't be branded with one of its uses (they don't have to be thieves. There's scouts, spies, con-artists, acrobats, swindlers, assassins, impersonators, thugs.....)

OK, OK, enough lecturing for today. I'll go and take my pills.

 

[fujaiwei]

Usually, I'm not pedantic, but the class isn't called thief anymore, but rogue (Like in "Morik the Rogue" )

It's actually one of my pet peeves: I played an arcane scout-like character in AD&D, realizing that with wizard/thief multiclass. Of course, there was that guy who said "he's a thief, I don't trust him". OK, I know, he was being an Idiot (he did that a lot), but it gave him a perfect excuse. The new class, rogue, is much more versatile than the old (which was already pretty versatile), and won't be branded with one of its uses (they don't have to be thieves. There's scouts, spies, con-artists, acrobats, swindlers, assassins, impersonators, thugs.....)

OK, OK, enough lecturing for today. I'll go and take my pills.

This is so true, IMC. Our clever little halfling rogue isn't really up to any bad, but our group has a tendency to meta-game and treat him the same as his previous character - which was a thief.

 

[Len]

It's actually one of my pet peeves

Mine too. The other players used to refer to my character as "the thief". I even caught the DM writing the abbreviation "T" on his initiative chart! The comments were mostly OOC, but when someone finally said something IC my character got all hot and said "When have I ever stolen anything??" That shut them up. (Of course they all secretly thought he had committed theft, but they couldn't point to an instance.) It was so unfair. Strego is definitely more the assassin type than thief.

To return to the topic at hand:

Note that "have the spell on your spell list" is not the same as "can cast the spell". A first-level wizard can use a wand of fireballs.

 

[sad_genius]

I was under the impression that a spellcaster of the appropriate type could use a wand containing a spell of the appropriate type i.e a druid could use a wand containing a divine spell even if it was a spell that druids don't actually get on their list. Correct?

M

 

[shilsen]

I was under the impression that a spellcaster of the appropriate type could use a wand containing a spell of the appropriate type i.e a druid could use a wand containing a divine spell even if it was a spell that druids don't actually get on their list. Correct?

M

Nope. The spell has to be on the druid spell list.