D&D 5E Rogues and Scrolls

[Boarstorm]

So, a friend brought up an issue with the new scroll rules. As written, a non-Trickster rogue can never use a scroll anymore.

What do you guys think? Is this a kick in the teeth to an old D&D chestnut? Or is it about time that non-casters kept their mitts off the party's scrolls?

 

[Lerysh]

Thieves get Use Magic Device. Outside that, I think it's appropriate that rogues are not swiss army magicians anymore. If you use your subclass specailty to get the utility then fine, otherwise, you are out of luck.

 

[Boarstorm]

Do you consider "must be on your classes spell list" to fall under UMD's purview?

It states that the thief can ignore class, race and alignment restrictions. IE -- is that a class restriction or another category of restrictions altogether?

 

[Lerysh]

I'd call it a class restriction, yes. "Must be on your classes spell list" translates to "This scroll is useable by Warlocks and Clerics" or "This scroll is useable by Wizards only". UMD should be able to cover that.

 

[jadrax]

I'd call it a class restriction, yes. "Must be on your classes spell list" translates to "This scroll is useable by Warlocks and Clerics" or "This scroll is useable by Wizards only". UMD should be able to cover that.

That is how I would interpret it.

 

[Paraxis]

We don't know what spells will be able to be turned into potions yet either. So we might have potions of mage armor, burning hands (refluff to fire breath), command, heck even a potion that you toss and it explodes into a fireball. That way maybe anyone with the right potion can cast any spell, but they would cost more/be more rare than scrolls that can only be used by a few.

 

[Tormyr]

We don't know what spells will be able to be turned into potions yet either. So we might have potions of mage armor, burning hands (refluff to fire breath), command, heck even a potion that you toss and it explodes into a fireball. That way maybe anyone with the right potion can cast any spell, but they would cost more/be more rare than scrolls that can only be used by a few.

Some of those things already exist. The potion of fire breath is in the RoT supplement. Potion of Command seems a bit wierd, but the Wand of Fear can produce a command spell. The playtest had a necklace of fireballs which probably is not far off of what the final version will be. I also imagine there will be a potion of mage armor.

 

[Psikerlord#]

I thought the 13th level thief ability allows them to use any magic item, including scrolls...?

 

[Boarstorm]

I thought the 13th level thief ability allows them to use any magic item, including scrolls...?

(UMD) states that the thief can ignore class, race and alignment restrictions.

If the interpretation that "must be on your classes' spell list" is indeed a class restriction is correct, then yes. That seems to be the way people are leaning.

 

[Henrix]

I think a potion of Command is a brilliant idea.

You drink it and your voice becomes irresistible* for your next utterance.


I'd also say the scroll reading is a class ability the rogue can emulate.


* Well, unless the victim makes her save, of course.