Musin's page

Now, I realize we cannot use scrolls in conjunction with spell combat, since one must have a free hand. Since a scroll requires somatic components (specifically, holding the scroll in your hand). Specifics regarding this issue can be found here: Spellstrike and Scroll

However, would I be able to use the cantrip: prestidigitation to help hold my scroll so my non-weapon wielding weapon hand is free?

In short, would the use of prestigitation allow me to use a scroll with spell combat feature, since I now have a free hand to use spell combat?

Prestidigitation
Casting time: 1 standard action
Duration: 1 Hour
Description: Prestidigitations are minor tricks that novice spellcasters use for practice. Once cast, a prestidigitation spell enables you to perform simple magical effects for 1 hour. The effects are minor and have severe limitations. A prestidigitation can slowly lift 1 pound of material. It can color, clean, or soil items in a 1-foot cube each round. It can chill, warm, or flavor 1 pound of nonliving material.

Being a Spellcaster, if I attempt to cast a Ranged Spell i.e. Magic Missle or lets say Ray of Frost in melee range of a creature how many attacks of opportunities do I have to avoid?

1 AoO for casting a spell
1 AoO for the ranged part of the spell

(assuming the creature has Combat Reflexs, multiple AoO per round)

So a total of 2 AoOs for casting a ranged spell in melee range? I ask this question, b/c it seems a little over done and redundant.