D&D 3E/3.5 [3.5] Few questions about scrolls

[Zedicius]

Owkay, what I read from scrolls and what I read under the Use Magic Device skill it seems the DC of using scrolls is determined in two ways.

Firstly, as a 'magic item' where the rules of Use Magic Device are used in which case the DC is [20 + caster level].

Secondly as an item the character can normally use without issue, for example, an arcane scroll, used by a wizard of the appropriate class level. If the wizard's caster level is lower then that of the scroll, the user has to make a 'caster level check' of which the DC is [caster level + 1], correct?

My second question is about deciphering spell scrolls. If you have a scroll of a spell that's already in your spell book, do you still need to decipher the scroll? Additionally, if you buy a scroll from a shop, assuming they sold you the spell you wanted, do you still need to decipher it as well?

 

[Vegepygmy]

Firstly, as a 'magic item' where the rules of Use Magic Device are used in which case the DC is [20 + caster level].

To activate a scroll, you need three things: (1) it has to be the correct type for you (arcane or divine), (2) the spell has to be on your class spell list, and (3) you have to have the requisite ability score (for example, Int 15 for a wizard casting a 5th-level spell).

You can use UMD to use a scroll whose spell is not on your class spell list by making a skill check (DC 20 + caster level of the spell). You can also use UMD to emulate having the requisite ability score, if you don't already possess it (DC 15 + requisite ability score).

Secondly as an item the character can normally use without issue, for example, an arcane scroll, used by a wizard of the appropriate class level. If the wizard's caster level is lower then that of the scroll, the user has to make a 'caster level check' of which the DC is [caster level + 1], correct?

DC = scroll's caster level + 1, yes.

My second question is about deciphering spell scrolls. If you have a scroll of a spell that's already in your spell book, do you still need to decipher the scroll?

Yes.

Additionally, if you buy a scroll from a shop, assuming they sold you the spell you wanted, do you still need to decipher it as well?

Yes, but note that success is automatic if the person who created the magical writing is on hand to help the reader (PHB, page 178).

 

[Zedicius]

Hmm, in the second situation, you meet all requirements except caster level, and you fail the check, are you allowed to try again or do you lose the scroll.

Use Magic Device says retries are allowed except on a natural 1, I'm not sure if this is the case here.

 

[Vegepygmy]

Hmm, in the second situation, you meet all requirements except caster level, and you fail the check, are you allowed to try again or do you lose the scroll.

If you fail the caster level check, you must make a DC 5 Wisdom check to avoid a mishap. If you avoid the mishap, the scroll remains unactivated, and you can try again. If a mishap occurs, the scroll is activated, but the result is unexpected.

 

[Zedicius]

That makes things a lot clearer. It all seems a bit needlessly complicated though I reckon my wizard won't have such a hard time with scrolls then I first though. Thanks for the info.