Scrolls

[Imion]

Can a sorcerer, which has a caster level that is equal to a scroll spell's caster level, but who has a level that will not allow him to cast the spell, cast the spell from the scroll?

Example: Garret, the 5th-level sorcerer,with a Cha of 17, can only cast 2nd-level spells. He gets hold of a scroll of stinking cloud (3rd-level).

The question: Can he cast the spell from the scroll? If yes, is there a caster level check to be made?

TIA, Imion

 

[kreynolds]

See Scrolls, page 199 and 203 in the DMG. Look for subheading Activation on page 199 and read from there.

 

[Bronn Spellforger]

This is from the SRD:

To have any chance of activating a scroll spell, the caster must meet the following requirements:

The spell must be of the correct type (arcane or divine). Arcane spellcasters cannot cast divine spells from a scroll, nor can divine spellcasters cast arcane spells in this manner.
The user must have the spell on his or her class list.
The user must have the requisite ability score.
If the user meets all the requirements noted above, and her caster level is at least equal to the spell’s caster level, she can automatically activate the spell without a check. If she meets all three requirements but her own caster level is lower than the scroll spell’s caster level, then she has to make a caster level check (DC = scroll’s caster level + 1) to cast the spell successfully. If she fails, she must make a Wisdom check (DC 5) to avoid a mishap (see Scroll Mishaps, below). A natural roll of 1 always fails, whatever the modifiers.

PS Come on kreynolds, making the poor guy do HOMEWORK?

 

[kreynolds]

PS Come on kreynolds, making the poor guy do HOMEWORK?

LOL Hey, I figured he would get a better understanding if he read the whole section. And I'm sure as heck not gonna type up the whole frickin thing here! I dont' have that kind of time.

 

[Li Shenron]

Bronn Spellforger explained it all. Let me add just a small consideration or example:

if the maker of the Scroll was a 5th level Wizard (able to cast 3rd level spells), the 5th level Sorcerer does not need to make a caster check, since the caster level is equal to his own;

if the maker of the Scroll was a 6th level Wiz/Sor or higher, then he needs to win a caster level check, and risks mishaps in case of failure.