The spell scroll rules of Lost Mines of Phandelver are in conflict with the Dungeon Masters Guide.
Given that spell scrolls can be crafted, the LMoP rules are too constrictive and the DMG rules are too flexible.
A spell scroll is a consumable magic item. It contains the words of a single spell, written in a mystical cipher. Any creature that can understand the mystical cipher can invoke the magic of the scroll.
If you don't fully understand the spell scroll you need to make a skill check; Arcana, Nature, or Religion, depending on the type of spell and who made it. The DC is 13+2*spell level. On a success you cast the spell and the scroll crumbles to dust. On a fail nothing happens, scroll stays intact and you just wasted an action/bonus action/reaction. On a critical fail you roll on the wild magic table and the scroll violently disintegrates.
You fully understand a spell scroll if any of the following applies:
- You are the creator of the spell scroll.
- You spent enough time studying the spell scroll.
- You have studied a spell scroll with the same spell from the same maker before.
See below how long you need to study a spell scroll.
| Spell level |
Hours required |
| cantrip |
1 |
| 1st |
1 |
| 2nd |
3 |
| 3rd |
7 |
| 4th |
15 |
| 5th |
30 |
| 6th |
55 |
| 7th |
90 |
| 8th |
145 |
| 9th |
220 |
There are various ways to reduce the required study time (see table below).
The minimum time is 10 minutes, meaning you can't pick up a scroll from a fallen enemy mid combat and cast it.
You can try to cast the spell from the scroll if you know what spell the scroll contains, even if you don't fully understand the scroll.
In this case you make a check with the respective skill and apply any possible bonuses (see table below).
| Situation |
Time modifier |
Check bonus |
| Proficiency with the scroll skill |
*0.5 |
+PB |
| Knowing the creator |
*0.75 |
+1 |
| Knowning the creator well |
*0.5 |
+2 |
| Having the creator explain it |
*0.1 |
+2 |
| Having a study buddy |
*0.5 |
N/A |
| Having the spell in your spell list |
*0.5 |
+2 |
The "knowing the creator", the "knowning the creator well" and the "having the creator explain it" buffs are mutually exclusive.
The "having the creator explain it" buff can also not be used in combination with the "study buddy" buff.
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