Sorcerers using magic items?

[kristov]

I'm a player - and I have the PHB but not the DM Guide currently. I need to know if Sorcerers can use magic items like wizards.

I ask because if my magic comes inherently from within, why would I be able to use any scroll/wand/staff that contains spells I do not have.

I know wizards are studious and can use various magics and use wands that contain higher level spells than they can normally cast - can sorcerers do this? If they can, what is the login behind it.

Thanks,

Kristov

 

[pontus]

A sorcerer can use the same magic items as a wizard, cuz he's got da powa!

Or something like that.

 

[Nish]

You can use spell completion items (scrolls, wands, staffs) if the item uses the same type of magic that you cast (arcane or divine) and it casts a spell that is on the list of spells available to your class.

That's from memory, so someone will let us know if it's wrong.

 

[dcollins]

Here's the rule from the SRD:

Spell Completion

This is the activation method for scrolls. To use a spell completion item safely, a character must be 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 (see Scroll Mishaps for possible consequences). Activating a spell completion item is a standard action and provokes attacks of opportunity exactly as casting a spell does.

Spell Trigger

[Ed. Note: Used for wands/staffs/rods.] Anyone with a spell on his or her spell list knows how to use a spell trigger item that stores that spell. Activating a spell trigger item is a standard action and does not provoke attacks of opportunity.

If you're looking for in-game rationale, well... for any spell a sorcerer could potentially know someday (i.e., is on the sorcrer list), then they can "interface" with an item which holds that power and cause it to release its magic.