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scrolls

Scribing Scrolls

A scroll is a written formula that stores a magic spell until it is read aloud and the magic released, destroying the scroll in the process. Scrolls are written in a particular language. Typically, divine scrolls are written in Latin, Greek or Hebrew, while arcane scrolls are written in any one of the ancient languages.

Casters must know the language the scroll is written in and make their normal spellcasting roll to successfully cast the spell written on the scroll. Divine scrolls can be used by any Zealot, whether he knows or is of sufficient level to cast the particular spell on the scroll or not. General Arcane scrolls can be used by any Scholar, whether he knows or is of sufficient level to cast the spell or not. Casters may use scrolls even if a spell failure had knocked out the ability to cast spells of the level of the spell on the scroll.

There are several scholar archetypes that do not start knowing how to scribe scrolls. Druids, Runemasters, Sufi, and Zoroastrians do not start with the proficiency to scribe scrolls, but some such as Zoroastrians can learn the proficiency as an archetype choice.

There are some specialist archetypes such as bards that may choose the ability to cast spells written on scrolls. These specialists must also know the language the scroll is written in to use it. They use their CHA score as their ability modifier for the spell check just as a Zealot or Scholar would.

Arcane Scrolls

Arcane scrolls are written using an exacting painstaking procedure, requiring a lengthy amount of time to complete the work after the text is laid out on parchment. It takes scholars as long as 50 man-days of inscription just to complete a scroll for a first level spell. Subsequently higher level spells require an extra 50 man-days of inscription. The bulk of the inscription can be accomplished by the creator or he can hire the help of an office of up to SEVEN scribes to help with the process. An Arcana check modified up by the spell level is required to successfully complete the scroll creation.

There are some scholar archetypes such as Hermetic Occultists that may choose the ability to scribe a copy of scrolls of spells they don't know, but have an example of.

Divine Scrolls

Divine scrolls are written onto Holy Parchment, using the Blessed Ink of St. Benedict. These days, Holy Parchment and the Blessed Ink of St. Benedict are produced in exactly 3 places on Earth, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, the Abbey of Monte Cassino in Italy, and the Monastery of Cluny in France. Such materials can be purchased from the Archbishop in Kingston, and on rare occasions from merchants in the city. The cost of the combined ink and parchment is 100gp per level of the spell to be scribed.

A hermit or cleric can scribe any spell he knows onto the Holy Parchment with the Blessed Ink, taking 1 week to per level of the spell to be scribed. A normal Religion check is required to successfully complete the scroll creation.

Templars may use scrolls, but cannot make them.

scrolls.txt · Last modified: 2020/02/03 23:58 by andrew