Understanding Spell Schools and Classes in D&D 5e
In D&D 5e, eight schools of magic categorize spells based on their effects: Abjuration (protection), Conjuration (creating entities), Divination (gaining knowledge), Enchantment (influencing minds), Evocation (dealing damage), Illusion (creating deceptive appearances), Necromancy (manipulating life force), and Transmutation (altering forms).
Each class, such as wizards, paladins, rangers, and druids, possesses a unique spell list defining the spells they can learn. These classes draw power from different sources, influencing how they cast spells. For example, druids harness the power of nature, while wizards study arcane texts. Although the source of magic varies, the mechanical effects of a spell remain consistent across classes.
Spell Scrolls in D&D 5e vs. Baldur’s Gate 3
Spell scrolls function differently in BG3 compared to the tabletop rules. Two key distinctions exist:
Casting from Scrolls
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5e: Casting from a scroll requires the spell to be on your class’s spell list. Attempting to cast a spell beyond your level risks failure and wasting the scroll.
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BG3: Any character, regardless of class or level, can cast any spell from a scroll. This significant departure allows druids, and any other class, to cast spells not typically available to them. A druid could cast a fireball from a scroll, even though it’s not on the druid spell list.
A druid harnessing the power of nature.
Learning Spells from Scrolls
- 5e: Wizards learn new spells by leveling up and copying spells from scrolls into their spellbooks. However, they can only copy spells that are on the wizard spell list.
- BG3: Wizards can learn any spell from a scroll, expanding their repertoire beyond the traditional limitations. This means a wizard could learn Cure Wounds, a cleric spell, from a scroll. Druids, however, cannot learn spells from scrolls in the same way wizards do in BG3. They are restricted to their class-specific spell list and learning spells as they level up.
A wizard meticulously studying a spell scroll.
Can Druids Learn Spells from Scrolls?
While druids in BG3 can cast spells from scrolls outside their class list, they cannot learn these spells permanently like wizards can. Learning spells for druids remains tied to leveling up and choosing from the available druid spells. The game mechanics differentiate between casting a one-time spell from a consumable scroll and permanently adding a spell to a character’s known spells.
Conclusion
Baldur’s Gate 3 streamlines spell scroll usage, enabling any class to cast spells from them. However, this accessibility doesn’t extend to learning new spells for druids. Druids in BG3 are confined to their class-specific spells learned through leveling. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for effective spellcasting and character progression in the game.
