Scroll

In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a "Scroll" is a magical item that players can use to cast spells without needing to use their own spell slots or even knowing the spell. Think of it as a piece of paper (or parchment) with a spell written on it. When you read the scroll, the spell activates. Once a spell from a scroll is used, the scroll can't be used again; it's a one-time magic item. Scrolls are incredibly versatile and beneficial for adventurers of all types, especially since they allow the casting of spells that might not be in the caster's repertoire or be too costly in terms of spell slots for regular use.

### How Scrolls Work

- **Casting from a Scroll:** To use a scroll, a character must read the scroll's text. If the spell is on your class's spell list, you can read the scroll and cast its spell without providing any material components. Otherwise, you might need to succeed on an ability check using your spellcasting ability to determine whether you can successfully cast it.

- **Spell Level and Casting Time:** The spell you cast from a scroll is of the scroll's spell level, not your own, and it takes the casting time listed on the scroll. This means even powerful spells can be unleashed by lower-level characters, albeit with some risk.

- **Spellcasting Ability:** For spells that require an attack roll or save, the DC and attack bonus are set by the scroll itself, not by the user's spellcasting ability.

- **One-Time Use:** Once the spell is cast, the words on the scroll fade, and it crumbles to dust or ashes. 

### Acquiring Scrolls

Players can find scrolls during their adventures, buy them from magic shops or other spellcasters, or receive them as rewards from patrons or as loot from defeated foes. The availability and cost of scrolls can vary greatly depending on their power level and the rarity of the spells they contain.

### Importance in the Game

Scrolls add a layer of strategy and resource management to D&D. They allow spellcasters to extend their repertoire of spells beyond what they can memorize or prepare each day, giving them flexibility in their magical arsenal. For non-spellcasters, scrolls can be a way to access magical effects that would otherwise be out of reach, albeit with the risk of failure for those not versed in the arcane arts.

### Tips for Players

- **Strategic Use:** Save your scrolls for critical moments when their spells can have the greatest impact, such as casting a powerful healing spell when allies are down or using a high-level attack spell to turn the tide of battle.

- **Inventory Management:** Keep track of the scrolls you have and what spells they contain. Knowing what resources are at your disposal can make a big difference in planning and executing strategies.

Scrolls are a fun and dynamic part of the D&D 5e game, offering both challenge and opportunity. They encourage players to think creatively and make strategic decisions about when and how to use the powerful magic at their disposal.