The Problem with Who can use Magic Items ?

[Hackenslash]

Hello again All,

This question has been bgging me for a while and I can't seem to clarify my answers in the DMG. So here goes: What Characters/Classes....etc can use what magic items ? The old 2nd edition DMG had this problem solved with tables of magic item use for each class but it does not appear in the 3rd edition. For example can a Spell Trigger Item like a Wand be used by a Rogue or a Fighter if they know what the spell trigger is ? Is the aforementioned Spell Trigger a "Command Word" or do you have to know arcane/divine magic, depending on the item to use the item in the first place. Also, if that was the case then would you then have to know the Spell to figure out what the spell trigger was ? Can Wonderous Items be used by any class ? Thanks in advance for any advice given.....Cheers !!!

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

I suggest you re-read the section on magic items in the DMG (if you have one...). Its pretty clear.

For the wands, you need the spell on your spell list in order to be able to use said wand, unless you have the Use Magic Device skill. So, for example, a 1st level wizard CAN use a wand of lightning bolts (Lightning bolt is on the wizard's spell list, even if he cant cast it yet).

Maitre D

 

[JChung2003]

Can Wondrous Items be used by any class

Wondrous items can be used by any class, unless it specifically states otherwise in the item's description.

 

[AuraSeer]

There are basically four kinds of items: use-activated, command word, spell trigger, and spell completion.

Use-Activated items will work for anyone. You invoke the power simply by wearing the item, or using it in the normal way. (If it's a potion, you drink it. If it's a weapon, you hit someone with it.) Most wondrous items fall into this category.

Command Word items also work for anyone, as long as the user knows the right word. (Many DMs assume the word is written someplace on the item itself, or is otherwise easily discovered.) Using a command word is a standard action, and can't be set off by things like magic mouth, but otherwise this is pretty straightforward. Many wondrous items fall in here, such as the boots of speed.

Spell Trigger items are almost always wands. In order to use one, you must have the spell on your class list. For instance, a wand of cure light wounds is usable by anyone who has CLW on their class list: clerics, bards, paladins, rangers, and druids. A wizard or a barbarian doesn't qualify, so cannot use it.

Spell Completion items are almost always scrolls. To use one, there are three requirements. One, it must be the correct type (arcane or divine). Two, you must have the spell on your class list, the same as for a wand. Three, you must succeed in a caster level check, with a DC of the item's caster level +1. (If your caster level is the same or higher than that of the item, the check automatically succeeds.)

A character with the Use Magic Device skill can use almost any item, but that's really its own topic.

 

[Hackenslash]

Thanks for Clarification.

Hello All,

Thanks to AuraSeer for clearing up my Dilema with Magic Item use, maybe I was not reading the DMG correctly. I have since re-read the DMG and have understood the way magic items are to be used and who can use them. I think I was having a bit of a brain lapse there, as Maitre Du Donjon states that it is really pretty clear. Oh well, back to the drwaing board for my selection of items for the big Baddee about thrash the PC's. hehehehe !!!

Peace All

 

[Li Shenron]

Spell Completion items are almost always scrolls. To use one, there are three requirements. One, it must be the correct type (arcane or divine). Two, you must have the spell on your class list, the same as for a wand. Three, you must succeed in a caster level check, with a DC of the item's caster level +1. (If your caster level is the same or higher than that of the item, the check automatically succeeds.)

...check also that you have the minimum ability score to cast a spell of that level.

You have no idea how many times we have forgotten this, especially after being Int- or Wis- drained

 

[Olive]

For the wands, you need the spell on your spell list in order to be able to use said wand, unless you have the Use Magic Device skill. So, for example, a 1st level wizard CAN use a wand of lightning bolts (Lightning bolt is on the wizard's spell list, even if he cant cast it yet).

Right, but can a specialist with banned schools evocation use it? No right?

 

[Li Shenron]

Right, but can a specialist with banned schools evocation use it? No right?

You are right, Wizards with a banned school cannot use spell completion or spell trigger items to cast spells from the forbidden school.

They can use other magic items however, even if to craft them requires a spell from a banned school and the effect is exactly the same of the spell. Effectively, they cannot CAST a spell of a forbidden school, even in scroll or wand form, but they can receive the effect of it (from a potion, a wondrous item, someone else's casting, etc...).