Goodman Games

Thought someone should point out an argument between the text and the table in regards to the thief skill to read scrolls.

The text specifically says (in italicized text, no less) not to add Intelligence or Personality modifiers to the roll for reading a scroll.
The table has a cross marker next to read scroll, indicating that Intelligence applies.

It'd be nice to have some official stance on the matter, though I am personally going to use the old standby (text trumps table every time) for the time being.

Dang, we missed a typo! The editorial crew will be flogged for their failure. Drake, you can have the first lash.

Thieves do apply Intelligence modifiers when reading scrolls.

Eeyow! I remember thinking about that, but I guess I never mentioned it. I figured thieves needed to rely on the class bonus alone to succeed.

So, are characters that read magic scrolls designed to fail, except for high level rogues? If that is the case, then I am fine with that, but it seems bizarre to indicate a die that will almost certainly fail the spell check result. Do non-wizard classes add their level to spell checks with scrolls, or is it just a straight up d8?

Nevermnd, I found the passage where my question is answered.

Can Warriors cast scrolls successfully? A d10 with no modifiers means they can never succeed at casting a scroll or am I misinterpreting the rules?

I believe it mentions somewhere that scrolls might have their own modifier... or at the very least, scrolls can be written such that when read they are cast at a specific result, which gives at least the one time that Warriors can pull off a spell from a scroll.

Characters can also burn Luck to achieve things that might otherwise seem impossible.

Colin

Very true... but don't burn too much. I mean, is that spell going off right now really worth the greater risk the next time you hit the ground bleeding will be the first time you don't get back up?

(No, really, it is worth it - burn your Luck or else you will feel very, very silly when that "recover the body" check you were hoarding it all for comes up a nat 20 and you are dead and gone because you tried to "play it safe" - that's right, my players, I'm talking to you )

Do they have to apply penalties for wearing bulky/iron armour, as do wizards (and presumably elves), but not clerics?

Cheers,
KenB

I would rule on the basis of the scroll type.

I am with Raven on that.

I would add, however, that if the scroll is one of the type that are automatically cast at a specified level (10% according to the table on page 373) it does not have any modification (good or bad) from the character reading it... you know, since there is no roll in the first place.

Agreed. And I would keep in mind that a wizard reading such a scroll in full plate would be at no disadvantage!