This is probably pretty obvious, but I couldn't find anything confirming it.
When casting a spell from a scroll the rules read...
Activate the Spell: Activating a scroll requires reading the spell from the scroll. The character must be able to see and read the writing on the scroll. Activating a scroll spell requires no material components or focus. (The creator of the scroll provided these when scribing the scroll.) Note that some spells are effective only when cast on an item or items. In such a case, the scroll user must provide the item when activating the spell. Activating a scroll spell is subject to disruption just as casting a normally prepared spell would be. Using a scroll is like casting a spell for purposes of arcane spell failure chance.
This begs the question. Do you HAVE to read the spell aloud? It doesn't really specify, though I'm sure most GM's would say this is a given. Is there a rule somewhere that I'm missing that actually mentions this?
This begs the question. Do you HAVE to read the spell aloud? It doesn't really specify, though I'm sure most GM's would say this is a given. Is there a rule somewhere that I'm missing that actually mentions this?
Scrolls are, for almost all purposes, spells just like the ones you have memorised. Casting them must fulfill all the normal rules for casting a regular spell yourself, with the only exeptions being those explicitly listed in the scroll text you quoted.
Under the general spellcasting rules it says all spells with Verbal components must be spoken. Therefore scroll spells with Verbal components must also be spoken as you read them off the scroll.
Spells on scrolls without verbal components do not need to be read aloud but still must be read and somatic components in either case must be met. The only component exeption is expensive/physical spell components which have been covered by the scroll use rules you have already quoted.
This begs the question. Do you HAVE to read the spell aloud? It doesn't really specify, though I'm sure most GM's would say this is a given. Is there a rule somewhere that I'm missing that actually mentions this?
Under 'Using Magic Items' (p. 458) are the details for using the spell completion activation method, the method used to activate scrolls: "Spell Completion: This is the activation method for scrolls. A scroll is a spell that is mostly finished. The preparation is done for the caster, so no preparation time is needed beforehand as with normal spellcasting. All that’s left to do is perform the finishing parts of the spellcasting (the final gestures, words, and so on). [emphasis added]"
This would imply somatic and verbal components if they are needed by the spell being completed.
Kalyth: Makes sense, would agree with that with one minor exception
Gilfalas: Again, agreed...mostly
Some call me Tim: Awesome, that's what I was looking for.
The only issue I actually have with this isn't the verbal component of a spell, but the semantic. Does it really make sense that a spellcaster weaves his hand signs, draw the arcane symbols in the air, or make semantic motions of typical spellcasting while holding a scroll, items which traditionally have been depicted as requiring 2 hands to hold? Even if held in 1 hand, does it really make sense that casting with a scroll still requires the SAME semantic component? (admittedly I'm assuming that most hand signs use 2 hands)
Kalyth: Makes sense, would agree with that with one minor exception
Gilfalas: Again, agreed...mostly
Some call me Tim: Awesome, that's what I was looking for.
The only issue I actually have with this isn't the verbal component of a spell, but the semantic. Does it really make sense that a spellcaster weaves his hand signs, draw the arcane symbols in the air, or make semantic motions of typical spellcasting while holding a scroll, items which traditionally have been depicted as requiring 2 hands to hold? Even if held in 1 hand, does it really make sense that casting with a scroll still requires the SAME semantic component? (admittedly I'm assuming that most hand signs use 2 hands)
Somatic components only require one hand (that's why a wizard can hold a staff in one hand and cast with the other).
For scrolls, you'd hold the unrolled scroll in one hand, curving it down your arm. Imagine you are holding an almost empty roll of paper towels by the center of the tube. Unroll a sheet of towel, and then hold it up so the unrolled paper towel rests on the inside of your forearm while you hold the tube with your hand. Now, while looking at the towel, pretend you are conducting the Philharmonic with the other hand. :) That's a good image of how a wizard would look while casting from a scroll (dorky).
Remember with scrolls you still get to make all the decisions about the spell. The verbal and somatic components let the magic energies know that you want Resist Energy to protect you from cold, or where the Fireball is going to detonate.
Then again you could take your scroll of Stilled, Silent, fireball, wad it up into a ball, and toss it where you want the boom. =)