I have an array of questions here.
First, if a Summoner uses UMD to cast a cleric/wizard/druid spell from a scroll, what is their effective caster level? I know that wands use their own caster level, however I believe scrolls use your own caster level. Would it be the level of the summoner?
2: What would happen if a summoner used a scroll to (successfully) cast Create Undead but is only level 8? Would the spell not work because they do not have a high enough caster level? Can you use UMD or another method to artificially boost your caster level to the required level? Either through wondrous items, spells that can be UMD'd or some other method?
3: Create undead specifies that you need to be caster level 11+ to create a skeletal champion. However, it also states you need to be of greater caster level than the HD of the creature you are bringing back. If you were using Create Undead to ressurect/create a level 4-6 NPC as a level 8 PC, would it work despite not having caster level 11? Your caster level is still higher than the HD of the creature you are making.
4: Create undead specifies additional requirements. For skeletal champions one of the requirements is Enervation. Does this mean that Enervation must also be cast at the time Create Undead is cast? If so, I assume a UMD scroll would work as well?
5: This one is more generic. When you use UMD, how do you figure out the DC of the spell? I know you can use UMD to emulate an ability score. When casting a spell from a list other than your own, would you use the artificial ability score bonus from a UMD check to figure out saving throw?
Thanks! I hope the questions are clear enough to understand, if not please help come to an answer by telling me how to clarify the questions.
1. Scrolls use the caster level of the scroll. The spell is already cast. You are just releasing the magic.
2.If the scroll is on his class list and he is of a sufficient level, and has the minimum ability score then he can cast the spell. The scroll also has to be arcane.
You can pretend to be of a certain caster level with UMD, but you can not boost your own caster level.
I think there are ways to boost casters, such as feats or traits, but I am not sure.
3.You still have to be at least caster level 11. You must meet all requirements, not just one or the other.
4.A scroll would work. When multiple spells are needed you must cast them one right after the other.
5.Scrolls always have use the lowest score possible to determine the DC, which is why they are not good if you want to force someone to fail a save.
Some of this is over my head, but scrolls have their own CL -- usually the minimum level required to cast the spell(s) on them. Scroll CL is set at the time of scribing, and can be any level (a) high enough to cast the spell and (b) equal to or lower than the level of the person scribing the scroll.
So, that's a bit of it cleared up; good luck with the other stuff.
|
A lot of this is answered by correcting your assumption about scrolls. Scrolls have a CL that is set by their creator when made. That CL determines the power of the effects generated by the spell from the scroll.
In the case of create undead, there is also a material component, which must be employed at the time that the scroll is created. That component is onyx in the amount of 50gp per HD of the creature to be raised. Whomever created that scroll chose how much onyx to use, and that will dictate the maximum HD of the creature created.
Answering in detail:
1) Scrolls have CL. Use that CL.
2) Scrolls have CL. Use that CL. Yes, there are ways of boosting CL, but it's irrelevant for your question.
3) When something has two requirements, you have to meet both requirements. Only meeting one is insufficient. Create Undead has a minimum caster level of 11 (which would come from the scroll) so would be good for up to 11 HD.
4) Yes, enervation must be cast as well. Yes, you can use UMD to cast enervation from the scroll for this purpose.
5) The DC for a spell from a scroll is based on the spell level of the spell being cast and the minimum ability score needed to cast that scroll. So, if casting fireball from a scroll, the DC would be 10+3+1=14.
I merged the two threads on this topic.
I merged the two threads on this topic.
I hadn't realized there was another thread on this topic, sorry!
Thank you for the clarifications on caster level & scrolls. I knew that wands/potions were made assuming minimum caster level. So in order to use Create Undead to create an undead of sufficient caster level, you would need a scroll cast at that level.
|
|
Thank you for the clarifications on caster level & scrolls. I knew that wands/potions were made assuming minimum caster level. So in order to use Create Undead to create an undead of sufficient caster level, you would need a scroll cast at that level.
Yes. Using it may involve UMD or Spellcraft checks.
The basic assumption for scrolls is that they are made at the minimum castable level for the creator, but there is nothing stopping scrolls being made at a higher level. Unless your GM drops one in your lap, it would be reasonable gaming to make one relatively tough to find one of 15th level or something, too.
Also, remember that the material component cost is significant and has to be used by the creator at the time he scribes the scroll. That means that a scroll of this spell would have both a related CL and also a related max HD. Price would reflect the Spell Level, CL, and the max HD.