What happens when you cast a spell?

[GreatLemur]

For a single spell scroll, I like the idea that the spell is coming from the scroll itself, not from the caster.

I think that's an appropriate way to look at it. The thing is, a scroll isn't just a piece of paper with a spell written on it, like a page out of a spellbook. It's a magical item in its own right, which allows a caster to effectively exceeed his or her daily casting limit. Somewhat like a potion, it's essentially a pre-cast spell suspended in a physical medium (the only meaningful difference being that anybody can use a potion, while it takes some training to use a scroll).

I'd even go so far as to say that what's written on a scroll probably is not the full text of any spell. After all, you can't memorize spells off of scrolls; you've got to reverse-engineer their contents and scribe them into your spellbook. So I figure all that's actually written on scrolls are instructions for their use.

 

[sniffles]

According to my 1E DMG, "the writing completely and permanently disappears from the scroll." Does the 3E DMG not mention this kind of stuff?

Self-destroying scrolls seem impractical. considering scrolls can have more than one spell on them.

You know, I didn't look up what the DMG says, but now I see that it says the same thing in the 3.5 DMG as what you describe. The writing vanishes.

I was really only thinking of scrolls as having a single spell on them. In my experience that's how they're used. I can't recall when I've ever been given or purchased a scroll containing more than one spell.

 

[Rechan]

I'd even go so far as to say that what's written on a scroll probably is not the full text of any spell. After all, you can't memorize spells off of scrolls; you've got to reverse-engineer their contents and scribe them into your spellbook. So I figure all that's actually written on scrolls are instructions for their use.

I'd say that the scroll is like a bottle for magic.

Using the specific inks, and prepared parchment, you channel magic into the writing and it's held there temporarily.

When you use it, it lets the magic out.

Similar to etching a glyph into a wall.

The same happens when you drop it into your book. It's just that you're transferring the trapped magic from one into the other.

 

[Slife]

I'd say that the scroll is like a bottle for magic.

Using the specific inks, and prepared parchment, you channel magic into the writing and it's held there temporarily.

When you use it, it lets the magic out.

Similar to etching a glyph into a wall.

The same happens when you drop it into your book. It's just that you're transferring the trapped magic from one into the other.

Except spellbooks are non-magical...

 

[Delta]

Per SRD, "Scrolls: Determine Effect"

A spell successfully activated from a scroll works exactly like a spell prepared and cast the normal way. Assume the scroll spell’s caster level is always the minimum level required to cast the spell for the character who scribed the scroll (usually twice the spell’s level, minus 1), unless the caster specifically desires otherwise.

The writing for an activated spell disappears from the scroll.

 

[Ranger REG]

Specifically, what happens when you cast a spell from a scroll?

I'm not talking mechanics here. What do you envision happens? Scrolls are single-use items, so how do you handle why you can't read the words off of that scroll more than once?

Since the ink usually contains spell's material component, the words/symbols/scripts are consumed off the scroll.

Does the scroll burn up, Mission: Impossible style?

Most common description in many campaigns.

Does it crumble to dust as the magical energy contained within is released?

Second most common description in many campaigns.

Does the ink showing the phrases and gestures of the spell simply fade away, leaving behind a blank sheet of paper?

As stated in my first response.

I'm hoping for some colorful descriptions here. Show me your imagination!

If it's a conjuration spell, the scripts lifted off the scroll and form into something.

If it's fireball or magic missile, the scroll crumples into a bright tiny light for you to direct.

If it's detect magic, the paper-like scroll folds into a prism to to look at, or shines colorful ray upon magical items within the area which briefly glows.

 

[Masquerade]

Depends on the spell.

+ The scroll unravels into a thousand threads which then form a sword in your hand.

+ The ink suddenly becomes heavy, tearing through the paper of the scroll and crashing into the ground. A moment later, the earth below you begins to quake as the text sinks into it.

+ The scroll flies out of your hand and at your foe, wrapping itself around their neck, choking them.

 

[The Grumpy Celt]

Specifically, what happens when you cast a spell from a scroll?

The scroll goes off like a firework, pop. The players hate it.

 

[Ranger REG]

The scroll goes off like a firework, pop. The players hate it.

Cruel and sadistic. I like that.

 

[Hairfoot]

An excellent question, OP. Magic has become very utilitarian these days, and for DMs, especially, it's important to postulate on in-game special-effects.

Ranger REG and Masquerade already described a couple I use, and several I will use.

Whatever spell it is, mine usually involve floating, glowing runes and arcane sound effects (including TV ad jingles).