Wizards, spellbooks and casting

[Ranes]

Can a wizard cast a spell directly from a spellbook, treating the spell as though it were on a scroll; ie can he cast the spell even if it hasn't been prepared, at the cost of having the spell disappear from the spellbook as a result?

 

[Thanee]

No.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Musrum]

Yes. (in 2E)

 

[Ranes]

Ah! Any chance of a book and page ref for that?

 

[starwed]

Since copying a spell into a spellbook is cheaper than making a scroll, there are some balance issues with allowing this.

In 1e, while this was possible, you ran the risk of destroying the entire spellbook; that's certainly one form of balance. ^_^

Other balancing factors to consider: still requiring a spell slot, possibly a higher level one than the spell being cast; or an increased casting time.

 

[Someone]

Can a wizard cast a spell directly from a spellbook, treating the spell as though it were on a scroll?

No.

 

[Ranes]

In 1e, while this was possible...

Please, if you could give me a reference, I'd be grateful. I'm sure this notion isn't entirely a figment of my imagination but I can't find it in any of my books from any edition.

 

[starwed]

I'm pretty sure the rules were in 1e Unearthed Arcana.

 

[Ranes]

That would explain my inability to find it. My copy of 1e's UA has long gone and I've passed up opporunities to get another. But I'm grateful for the lead. Thanks.