Reading a Spell Scroll
Casting a spell from a spell scroll can be a tricky matter, especially when the spell on the scroll is not from that character's spell list, and even more when the character are not a spell caster themselves.
When a character attempts to cast a spell from a spell scroll, consult the Casting a Spell from a Scroll table to determine the outcome.
Casting a Spell from a Scoll
| Is spell caster | Spell on spell list | Can cast spell of that level | Skill Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Yes | Yes | No | Regular check |
| Yes | No | N/A | Regular check, w/ risk of scroll mishaps |
| No | N/A | N/A | Check w/ disadvantage, w/ risk of scroll mishaps |
Skill Check
The skill check that must be made uses your spellcasting ability to which is added the relevant skill bonus, which depends on the spell list upon which is the spell to cast (see the Spellcasting Skills table). If you have no spellcasting ability, use one of the ability normally used for the spell you want to cast (for example, a spell on both the sorcerer and wizard spell lists may be cast using either charisma or intelligence).
The DC for the skill check is 10 + spell level.
Spellcasting Skills
| Skill Check | Spell Lists |
|---|---|
| Arcana | Artificer, Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard |
| Nature | Druid, Ranger |
| Religion | Cleric, Paladin |
Image Source: Himbda Scoll
Sources
Original idea from the Dungeon Master's Guide updated with ideas from various posts on reddit.
Prepared by u/phixium.
Risk of Scroll Mishaps
To avoid a mishap when casting a spell of a list or a level you cannot normally, you must make an ability saving throw using your spellcasting ability. If you have no spellcasting ability, use one of the ability normally used for the spell you want to cast.
The DC for the saving throw is 10 + spell level. On a failed save, roll on the Scroll Mishaps table (source: Dungeon Master's Guide p.140).
Scroll Mishap
| d6 | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | A surge of magical energy deals the caster 1d6 force damage per level of the spell. |
| 2 | The spell affects the caster or an ally (determined randomly) instead of the intended target, or it affects a random target nearby if the caster was the intended target. |
| 3 | The spell affects a random location within the spell's range. |
| 4 | The spell's effect is contrary to its normal one, but neither harmful nor beneficial. For instance, a fireball might produce an area of harmless cold. |
| 5 | The caster suffers a minor but bizarre effect related to the spell. Such effects last only as long as the original spell's duration, or 1d10 minutes for spells that take effect instantaneously. For example, a fireball might cause smoke to billow from the caster's ears for 1d10 minutes. |
| 6 | The spell activates after 1d12 hours. If the caster was the intended target, the spell takes effect normally. If the caster was not the intended target, the spell goes off in the general direction of the intended target, up to the spell 's maximum range, if the target has moved away. |
