This has prolly been answered a dozen or so times already, but since Google didn't kick anything up and the search feature on the forums is currently broken I figured I'll ask.
When using a scroll, can a caster "Cast Defensively".
Feat - Cast Defensively
You are adept at spellcasting when threatened or distracted.
Benefit: You get a +4 bonus on concentration checks made to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability when casting on the defensive or while grappled.
The rules clearly state that a scroll is a spell-completion magic item. But never gives very clear indication that using a scroll (or any other spell completion item for that matter) doesn't also count as "spellcasting".
Like I said this has prolly already been hashed out I just can't find the thread.
If someone has a short answer (or even a not so short answer) I'd appreciate it.
Thanx,
Kizan
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Spell Completion Items: Activating a spell completion item is the equivalent of casting a spell. It requires concentration and provokes attacks of opportunity. You lose the spell if your concentration is broken, and you can attempt to activate the item while on the defensive, as with casting a spell.
Your God of Knowledge,
Nethysasknethys@karuikage.net
As a related question, can you cast defensively while reading a scroll with Use Magic Device? It seems that you should, but the concentration check isn't well defined, since you probably don't have a caster level in a class that relates to the scroll.
I can see several possible answers. You might just auto-fail the check, similar to when making an ability check if your stat for that ability is "-". Or you might say that your caster level is your UMD check minus 20, since that is the level of scroll you could read.
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As a related question, can you cast defensively while reading a scroll with Use Magic Device? It seems that you should, but the concentration check isn't well defined, since you probably don't have a caster level in a class that relates to the scroll.
I can see several possible answers. You might just auto-fail the check, similar to when making an ability check if your stat for that ability is "-". Or you might say that your caster level is your UMD check minus 20, since that is the level of scroll you could read.
You should be able to cast defensively with a UMD. As you technically have a caster level (The minimum caster level to cast the scroll), then you would use that plus the appropriate modifier for the concentration check.
when casting defensively off a scroll, is your Concentration score the same? since its usually your CL in spellcasting class, does that get replaced by CL of the scroll or that's just irrelevant for that concentration?
I think it's the same value. After all, if you cast a spell with a lower CL than yours, let's say, you cast magic missile at 4th CL instead of 6th, you concentration score doesn't change, nor it change on the spell for which you have spell focus, iirc.