The basic rules for scroll use seems to contradict what DMG rules for scroll use. The basic rules says the spell must be in your class's spell list, otherwise the scroll is unintelligible, but the DMG says any creature that can understand a written language can read the script and attempt to activate it. Perhaps I'm just interpreting them incorrectly. Has this been further clarified anywhere?
Basic Rules, pg 200
A spell scroll bears the words of a single spell, written in a mystical cipher. If the spell is on your class’s spell list, you can read the scroll and cast its spell without providing any material components. Otherwise, the scroll is unintelligible.
DMG, Scrolls
Unless a scroll's description says otherwise, any creature that can understand a written language can read the script on a scroll and attempt to activate it.
Well, first there are a few kinds of things that are called a "scroll": 1. Mundane roll of paper with mundane stuff written on it; 2. Mundane paper with a Wizard spell described on it; 3. A Magic Scroll with a non-spell magic effect; or 4. A Spell Scroll.
Let's ignore 1. Then 2 is just like a page out of a Wizard's Spellbook; useless to any other class. It cannot be used to cast a spell, but a Wizard can scribe it into their own book without risk of failure.
3 and 4 are the kinds of scrolls you are asking about. These scrolls are single-use consumable magic items, akin to a potion, which store the energy of a magical effect. The only general requirement to use one is the ability to read it. The Spell Scroll is the most common type of these sorts of scrolls, but the Scroll of Protection also exists. Spell Scrolls have an additional requirement to use; it must match your class (and having a high enough level helps too). If you find a magic Scroll that is not a Spell Scroll then you can use it regardless of class/level.
I know this is an old post, but it came up in my campaign, so I thought I would post my thoughts on the matter.
Any rolled up piece of paper, papyrus, or sewn bamboo, etc. with writing on it is a scroll. It can be read by anyone who understands the written language of the scroll, unless stated otherwise in the scroll's description.
The description of the magic item Spell Scroll states that it can only be read by someone who has the spell on his/her class spell list only. Since this is the description, only someone with the spell on his/her class spell list may read the scroll.
My two cents.
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The basic rules for scroll use seems to contradict what DMG rules for scroll use. The basic rules says the spell must be in your class's spell list, otherwise the scroll is unintelligible, but the DMG says any creature that can understand a written language can read the script and attempt to activate it. Perhaps I'm just interpreting them incorrectly. Has this been further clarified anywhere?
Basic Rules, pg 200
DMG, Scrolls
Well, first there are a few kinds of things that are called a "scroll": 1. Mundane roll of paper with mundane stuff written on it; 2. Mundane paper with a Wizard spell described on it; 3. A Magic Scroll with a non-spell magic effect; or 4. A Spell Scroll.
Let's ignore 1. Then 2 is just like a page out of a Wizard's Spellbook; useless to any other class. It cannot be used to cast a spell, but a Wizard can scribe it into their own book without risk of failure.
3 and 4 are the kinds of scrolls you are asking about. These scrolls are single-use consumable magic items, akin to a potion, which store the energy of a magical effect. The only general requirement to use one is the ability to read it. The Spell Scroll is the most common type of these sorts of scrolls, but the Scroll of Protection also exists. Spell Scrolls have an additional requirement to use; it must match your class (and having a high enough level helps too). If you find a magic Scroll that is not a Spell Scroll then you can use it regardless of class/level.
The basic rules are referring specifically to the spell scroll magic item.
The DMG is the general rule that applies to all other scrolls unless specifically overruled (specific trumps general).
Ah, that makes sense! Thank you all for clearing that up for me.
I know this is an old post, but it came up in my campaign, so I thought I would post my thoughts on the matter.