RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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Pathfinder Savant lets you activate scrolls at your caster level instead of the caster level of the scroll... my question is wheter you can use UMD to emulate a higher caster level than your own before activating the scroll? Please explain...
Emulate a Class Feature: Sometimes you need to use a class feature to activate a magic item. In this case, your effective level in the emulated class equals your Use Magic Device check result minus 20. This skill does not let you actually use the class feature of another class. It just lets you activate items as if you had that class feature. If the class whose feature you are emulating has an alignment requirement, you must meet it, either honestly or by emulating an appropriate alignment with a separate Use Magic Device check (see above).
Use a Scroll: Normally, to cast a spell from a scroll, you must have the scroll's spell on your class spell list. Use Magic Device allows you to use a scroll as if you had a particular spell on your class spell list. The DC is equal to 20 + the caster level of the spell you are trying to cast from the scroll. In addition, casting a spell from a scroll requires a minimum score (10 + spell level) in the appropriate ability. If you don't have a sufficient score in that ability, you must emulate the ability score with a separate Use Magic Device check. This use of the skill also applies to other spell completion magic items.
Scroll Master (Su)
A 3rd-level Pathfinder savant uses his own caster level instead of the item’s caster level when using a scroll or other spell completion item.
i don't see how 'caster level' is considered a class feature.
According to my reading no, you can't. It only works for purpose of meeting the requirement of an item, not grant an actual CL.
"Spells" or "Spell Casting" is a class feature, and your effective class level for the ability is your "caster level", no?
'spells' is a class feature, yes. you are allowed to simulate that for the purpose of activating magic items as if you had that spell on your spell list. but the item you are using is a scroll which has a fixed caster level, and you are applying your own caster level to the item instead of its fixed one.
that being said there is the emulate class feature ability of UMD which claims your level is considered (your UMD check - 20). So with that if you managed to make a DC 30 UMD check (in addition to the one you would need to make to cast the scroll (if it isn't on your spell list))you could cast that fireball scroll at level 10 instead of 5, the way i read it at least. so now i'm not sure.