A Question About Scrolls

[Rojolimar]

When going to use a scroll, where does a character reach from to get it?

My group's GM told us that we have to spend a move action to take off the backpack, then have to pull it out of there, and /then/ use the spell. I always thought it was kinda strapped to my waist in a tube until I was ready to use it, or do I have to buy those?

If someone could clarify on the "default setting" of where scrolls go when you put them away before battle is, it'd be great. :smallsmile:

[Lord Vukodlak]

When going to use a scroll, where does a character reach from to get it?

My group's GM told us that we have to spend a move action to take off the backpack, then have to pull it out of there, and /then/ use the spell. I always thought it was kinda strapped to my waist in a tube until I was ready to use it, or do I have to buy those?

If someone could clarify on the "default setting" of where scrolls go when you put them away before battle is, it'd be great. :smallsmile:

Even strapped to your side its a move action to pull it out. Your weapon is strapped to your side but it still a move action to draw a weapon.(without quickdraw).

[Slipperychicken]

Doesn't matter where they're stored. Retrieving a stored item (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/actionsInCombat.htm#draworSheatheaWeapon) is a Move action by default, regardless of how you store it. However, if you're "Ransacking a chest full of junk to find a certain item (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/search.htm)", that takes a Search DC 10 and a Full-round action.

Also, there's no "default inventory setting". You decide how your PC stows his items.

[4BR4]

Even if strapped to your side scrolls are supposed to be in a tube of ivory, jade, leather, metal, or wood.

Usually scrolls are in a Scroll Case: A leather or wooden scroll case easily holds four scrolls; you can cram more inside but retrieving any of them becomes a full-round action rather than a move action. You must destroy the scroll case to damage its contents (hardness 2 for leather or 5 for wood, 2 hit points, Break DC 15). A scroll case is not water-tight.

So yes, taking a scroll case from anywhere is always a move action.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Retrieving any stored item is a move action. Drawing a weapon is a move action, but if you have a BAB of +1 or higher you can do so while moving instead of spending a separate move action on it. Quick-Draw allows you to draw a weapon as a free action.

Per the Rules Compendium page 9, item 12, "Drawing a weapon applies to any weaponlike item, such as a wand, rod, or staff, within easy reach." Note that said such as those specific types of items, so it's not limited to those. If you put a flask of acid or holy water on your belt, it's ready to grab just like a weapon, so it can be drawn as a weaponlike item. The same should apply to a scroll, assuming it's on your belt and easy to grab.

[Rojolimar]

Thanks, guys! All of that totally makes sense. :smallbiggrin:

I guess I'll just have to have my Fireball scroll ready for the next big wave of monsters! They won't get away this time. :smallfurious: :smallfurious: :smallfurious:

[Slipperychicken]

The best way to think of it casting as a Full-Round action, because it's a Move to retrieve, and (typically) a Standard to cast.



I guess I'll just have to have my Fireball scroll ready for the next big wave of monsters! They won't get away this time. :smallfurious: :smallfurious: :smallfurious:

That sounds decent. There's nothing stopping you from simply retrieving the scroll in advance. Remember that you only need one free hand to cast spells, so just keep one hand on the scroll while you cast other spells.

[ahenobarbi]

There is Scroll Organizer item in one of Faerun books (Magic of Faerun?) and if I recall correctly it allows you to retrieve scrolls faster. I'm away from book now so I can't check details.

[holywhippet]

Doesn't matter where they're stored.

It does matter actually: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/wondrousItems.htm#gloveofStoring

[Slipperychicken]

It does matter actually: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/magicItems/wondrousItems.htm#gloveofStoring

I suppose that magic items are an exception which I neglected to address. In that case, I believe there are also some special scrollcases which allow one to retrieve scrolls as a free action.

[Thurbane]

I assume the Caster's Shield (http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/resources/systems/pennpaper/dnd35/soveliorsage/magicItemsAW.html#casters-shield) gets around the need to draw out the scroll.