Multiple Spell Scrolls and Variety

[Howie23]

The PFS FAQ has an entry on purchasing scrolls with multiple spells using prestige, here. Is the intent of the reply to indicate that any scroll with multiple spells are limited to duplicates of the same spell, or is this limit only to those multiple spell scrolls that are purchased with PP? Reading it, it seems that it applies to all multiple spell scrolls, but seems odd to me.

[TetsujinOni]

Howie23 wrote:

The PFS FAQ has an entry on purchasing scrolls with multiple spells using prestige, here. Is the intent of the reply to indicate that any scroll with multiple spells are limited to duplicates of the same spell, or is this limit only to those multiple spell scrolls that are purchased with PP? Reading it, it seems that it applies to all multiple spell scrolls, but seems odd to me.

Only seems to be related to PP. I see no mechanical advantage to the multiple-spell scroll (and some disadvantages based on size) outside of PP purchase.

[Mergy]

A multiple spell scroll can be bought with gold or prestige, and the FAQ applies to both. Since there is no RAW limit on the number of spells on a scroll, this prevents a player from having every spell on a scroll. It would be a little unbalanced to have access to n number of spells with a mere move action.

[TetsujinOni]

prd wrote:

Physical Description: A scroll is a heavy sheet of fine vellum or high-quality paper. An area about 8-1/2 inches wide and 11 inches long is sufficient to hold one spell. The sheet is reinforced at the top and bottom with strips of leather slightly longer than the sheet is wide. A scroll holding more than one spell has the same width (about 8-1/2 inches) but is an extra foot or so long for each additional spell. Scrolls that hold three or more spells are usually fitted with reinforcing rods at each end rather than simple strips of leather. A scroll has AC 9, 1 hit point, hardness 0, and a break DC of 8.

Based on the size of each spell on the scroll, more than 3 or so spells on a single scroll is not a feasible number to manipulate in combat anyway. 2 feet of scroll is scary enough...

I'd suggest rewording the FAQ question slightly so that its clearer that applies to ALL scrolls.

[Mergy]

FAQ Regarding Multiple Spell Scrolls wrote:

You may purchase a multiple spell scroll but are limited to multiple copies of the same spell on the scroll. So, you can have five copies of scorching ray on one scroll but only that spell. You can not mix and match different spells on the same scroll.

A multiple spell scroll may be purchased with either Prestige Points or gold pieces.

The FAQ directly answers the question of buying scrolls with prestige, but that doesn't change the fact that you are limited to multiple copies of the same spell on the scroll, as it mentions in the entry.

[TetsujinOni]

Adam Mogyorodi wrote:

FAQ Regarding Multiple Spell Scrolls wrote:

You may purchase a multiple spell scroll but are limited to multiple copies of the same spell on the scroll. So, you can have five copies of scorching ray on one scroll but only that spell. You can not mix and match different spells on the same scroll.

A multiple spell scroll may be purchased with either Prestige Points or gold pieces.

The FAQ directly answers the question of buying scrolls with prestige, but that doesn't change the fact that you are limited to multiple copies of the same spell on the scroll, as it mentions in the entry.

Right, and it's been a long time since I actually had a need to *read* that FAQ. For clarity, my suggestion was that rewording the *question* part to indicate that it covers all multiple-spells-one-scroll cases rather than just the PP purchases, and it seems like a valid one.

[Mergy]

Fair enough. Clarity is always worth striving for, and I'd certainly have nothing against the question being reworded. :)

[Howie23]

Thx for the replies all. Adam, a post of yours in the rules section is what prompted the question.

I think what comes off as odd to me is that the FAQ states that multiple spell scrolls must all be of the same spell, and then goes on to confirm that you can obtain such a scroll with gold or PP. the statement that they must be the same is presented as a premise. It is, however, a house rule rather than a premise inherent in the game's core rules. My understanding is that PFS establishes campaign specific house rules when needed by the nature of the campaign.

Multiple spell scrolls are an area that generally require some sort of house rule to to they lack of specifics in the RAW. If the concern is having scrolls of all spells, an alternative would be to limit the number of spells on a scroll. Six is a pretty common limit.

The game reasons for wanting scrolls of multiple spells generally have to do with the action economy of managing the equipment; specifically with respect to retrieving the item. I suppose the current method has the advantage of introducing one house rule rather than two, where the second would be the action type to "page down" to the desired spell and/or the table variance that would follow. Makes some sense as I think it through.

Again, thanks all for the replies.