Hey All! I've been messing around with the spell scroll rules for 5th Edition. I like the idea that any character, if they have some semblance of understanding of magic, can use a spell scroll. However, I also wanted to balance that with a spellcaster's ability to use a scroll. I've come up with the following set of rules. It's essentially a list of if/thens.

• When casting a spell from a spell scroll, the following applies to:
  • when an Arcane caster attempts to cast from an arcane spell scroll
  • when a Divine spellcaster attempts to cast from a divine spell scroll
• For spellcasters with 'known' spells, if they know the spell, they can cast it without issue. For spellcasters with 'prepared' spells, they can cast it without issue if they have it prepared (for this purpose, wizards count as prepared spellcasters).
• If a spell is on a spellcasting character's class spell list, and if it is of a spell level they are capable of casting, they can cast the spell with a successful ability check (using their spellcasting ability modifier + their proficiency bonus) against a DC of 10 + the spell's level.
• If a spell is not on a spellcasting character's class spell list, or if it is on their class's spell list but is of a higher level than they are capable of casting, they can cast it with a successful ability check (using their spellcasting ability modifier) against a DC of 10 + the spell's level.
• If a spell is not on a spellcasting character's class spell list, or if it is on their class's spell list but is of a higher level than they are capable of casting, they can cast it with a successful ability check (using their spellcasting ability modif) against a DC of 10 + the spell's level. However, they must roll with disadvantage.

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• When casting a spell from a spell scroll, the following applies to:
  • when an Arcane caster attempts to cast from a divine spell scroll (that is, one that belongs exclusively to divine spell lists)
  • when a Divine spellcaster attempts to cast from an arcane spell scroll (that is, one that belongs exclusively to arcane spell lists)
  • when any non-spellcasting character attempts to use the spell scroll
• To cast from a spell scroll, the character must succeed on an ability check against a DC of 10 + the spell's level, rolled with disadvantage. If the spell scroll is arcane in nature, the character must make an Intelligence (Arcana) check. If the spell scroll is divine in nature, the character must make a Wisdom (Arcana) check.
• When a non-spellcaster makes the ability check, if the spell belongs to both arcane and divine spell lists, the character may choose Intelligence (Arcana) or Wisdom (Arcana).

Any and all feedback is super appreciated. Thank you!

Hey Gelrond,

Wondering if you’ve had the chance to play with these rules for a bit and if you’ve changed anything. I was just Googling around for House Rules for Scroll usage and came across this post.

Anything change after these ideas made contact with your players?

Thanks!