D&D 5E Unfortunate Wording

[Agamon]

Yes, but the fighter doesn't have it, while all wizards do. I was talking of the spirit of the rules and the general lore of D&D settings, taking also into account past editions (2e and 3e). With the current wording anyone can try the Arcane check, there are no trained only skills anymore.
Anyway the wording was different in the playtest, and we only have a preview now.

Arcana is just 1 of the 2 skills out of 5 possible that wizards can take, so not all of them are trained in Arcana. And yes, you can do this without training, but that's a pretty horrible idea, with not much better than a 50/50 chance to use a 1st level scroll, depending on Int.

But if you're a fighter than has the a Sage-type background and a high Intelligence, makes sense that he can read a scroll (which isn't casting the spell, but triggering the already cast spell, as I mentioned in the thread already). And even then, it's still not a great idea if the scroll is higher level.

And yeah, it might change for the DMG, but I think this was intentional and it's really a good way to handle it. The caster that can cast the spell should be the one to use the scroll, but anyone can try, if they're willing to take a risk.

 

[charlesearth]

Arcana is just 1 of the 2 skills out of 5 possible that wizards can take, so not all of them are trained in Arcana. And yes, you can do this without training, but that's a pretty horrible idea, with not much better than a 50/50 chance to use a 1st level scroll, depending on Int. But if you're a fighter than has the a Sage-type background and a high Intelligence, makes sense that he can read a scroll (which isn't casting the spell, but triggering the already cast spell, as I mentioned in the thread already). And even then, it's still not a great idea if the scroll is higher level.

Yeah, I overlook that. Neither the other spellcasters are guaranteed to have arcana, But on the other hand, the wording still states that you are actually casting the spell: "Otherwise, you must make an Intelligence (Arcana) check to see if you can successfully cast it."

 

[Agamon]

Yeah, I overlook that. Neither the other spellcasters are guaranteed to have arcana, But on the other hand, the wording still states that you are actually casting the spell: "Otherwise, you must make an Intelligence (Arcana) check to see if you can successfully cast it."

And therein lies the actual unfortunate wording.

 

[Starfox]

Wizards can now cast spells in armor.

Fighters can now read wizard scrolls.

Fine by me.

 

[rastus_burne]

Yeah, it's really not that big of a deal.

 

[GrumpyGamer]

People forget 5e isn't 3e or 4e. Biggest problem in 5e ATM.

I had this issue when reading the cantrip rules and tearing through the PHB to find a reason why you would need to use a caster level to get the higher damage version of cantrips. Now with more time with the game, I accept this as being part of the flexible rules.

Abilities and items are there to be used in 5e and not to be trap choices.

 

[pemerton]

You know what this change also brings?
It opens up the possibility of spells that aren't on ANY class list - the earth shattering, plane wreaking, god slaying stuff of epic awesomeness... and instead of relying on DM fiat, there are actual rules to use them now! And no munchkin wizard can copy it into his spellbook.

This is a very good point, and a nice idea! (WotC flirted with this idea towards the end of 4e: one of the late books, I think "Into the Unknown", had Scrolls of Power usable by any character. But the idea was not really developed very far.)

 

[Starfox]

This is also a return to 1ed and the protection scrolls anyone could read. Sure, this time around it is any scroll, but I bet fighter will be most interested in the protective buffs and utility spells. If they want damage, they got weapons.

 

[KarinsDad]

Wizards can now cast spells in armor.

Fighters can now read wizard scrolls.

Fine by me.

Except that the wizards have to pay for the privilege.

Fighters should have to pay for the privilege by acquiring the Arcana skill. That's a lot less painful of a payment than the wizard makes.

 

[Savage Wombat]

Again, I'm really more concerned with Wizards carrying around priest and druid scrolls. But the Religion/Nature substitution may be the fix for that, as suggested earlier.