Casting scrolls defensively?

[Xavier319]

when casting defensively with scrolls, what caster level and casting stat do you use? the scrolls, or yours? i'm assuming the scroll's

[Starglim]

Reading a scroll is not spellcasting, but is a different standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity (page 183). Casting defensively won't help you. I don't know of an equivalent option for scrolls in the current rules.

[Xavier319]

i dont think that's the case, considering that the cyphermage PrC has an ability that gives you +4 when you cast defensively when using scrolls. that would seem to imply you can.

[Jeraa]

Xavier319 wrote:

i dont think that's the case, considering that the cyphermage PrC has an ability that gives you +4 when you cast defensively when using scrolls. that would seem to imply you can.

There is also a feat that removes the attack penalty from firing a crossbow while prone (despite there being no actual penalty to remove). Just because it exists, doesn't mean its correct.

However, rules do say:

Quote:

Activating a scroll is a standard action (or the spell's casting time, whichever is longer) and it provokes attacks of opportunity exactly as casting a spell does.

Ir provokes exactly like a spell does. Since casting defensively removes the AoO from casting a spell, it should also work the same way with scrolls.

[Drejk]

I'd say that the character uses his own caster level when casting defensively from a scroll. Using a more powerful scroll won't make him more focused.

[Xavier319]

Jeraa wrote:

Xavier319 wrote:

i dont think that's the case, considering that the cyphermage PrC has an ability that gives you +4 when you cast defensively when using scrolls. that would seem to imply you can.

There is also a feat that removes the attack penalty from firing a crossbow while prone (despite there being no actual penalty to remove). Just because it exists, doesn't mean its correct.

Touche, i stand corrected!

alright, so a character with no caster level cannot cast defensively?

[Sapphire Onion]

PFSRD says: "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."

[Xavier319]

right, the question now is, do you use YOUR casting stats, or the scroll's? and if you use yours, what happens if you're a rogue and have no casting stats?

[Painedbood]

I believe you just stumbled across the answer with that part right there. When the item is created it's caster level, stats, etc. are set.
As such it is logical to use the stat that is set for the item.
This is obviously WIS for divine, but when it is arcane which do you use?
If it is on your spell list, you use your classes casting stat.
If not, I personally recommend CHA since use magic device is CHA based.