From: Tagi@cup.portal.com (Tagi Mordred Nagashiva)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Scrolls and spells
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 92 14:22:10 PDT
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
  <1992Sep8.214743.15260@aa.cad.slb.com>
  <1992Sep9.024933.24057@u.washington.edu> <20308@plains.NoDak.edu>

9209.14 e.v.

As I see it the entire focus comes down to WHY scrolls are used, HOW
they are created, and HOW they function.

From these three we can derive answers to all the questions raised,
including that about clerics/priests/druids/etc.


It would seem prudent, then, to suggest the possible alternatives and
then select among them based on our own preferences in gaming, since,
as we all know, there is no 'authority' aside from the game designers/
producers.  These fine folk, if they are worth their salt, usually
include appropriate caveats about 'changing the rules to suit your
taste'.  I recommend avoiding those who do not accept this credo.


1) Why are scrolls used?

It seems that some here use scrolls as a means of spell acquisition.
This works very well for video games and some frp.

I've seen people use scrolls as a convenient means of carrying 'abbreviated'
versions of spells from one's spellbook.  This eliminates the problem that
some GMs pose to the player that in a sufficiently long game the spellbook
must be 'at hand' for re-cognition (mages only, perhaps).

The way I've played it most is that scrolls were 'pre-set' spells, usable
only by the schooled class in question (mages OR illusionists OR druids, etc.).
We usually required 'read magic' only if it was specifically written in
an obscure magical script (some of the specialist schools always seemed to
use these).  So in this case, they were spells which would not otherwise
be available to the spellcaster.  Scrolls were uncommon in the games
which I ran.  They enabled the mage to have additional spells at the ready,
similar to having additional flasks of oil, except possibly more potent.


2) How are scrolls created?

I suppose it could be either a specific skill or a specific power,
derived from spell or item, that enabled one to create a scroll.

With a skill one might need equipment (lab, etc.).  With a power it
could vary from needing the requirements of a spell ('inscribe scroll')
to simply expending any energy necessary to psychically or physically
affix the appropriate symbols/substances.


3) How do scrolls function?

This could vary quite a bit also, depending upon the expediency of the
GM.  It could simply be read (by the caster, by a knowledgeable bystander,
even by an unknowing simpleton given 'read magic' perhaps) and enacted,
whether or not the caster had the capability to CONTROL said energies.

Perhaps one must be of sufficient level to read it.  Perhaps one must
study the scroll in order to be able to utilize it.  Perhaps the scroll
must be transferred to a spellbook and studied (notes, etc.) before it
could be used. 

In any case, the psycho-physical process of scroll-enactment would seem
important also.  Do the symbols (etc.) applied to the parchment contain
the magical energies?  Are they merely triggers which allow the caster
to unlock hir OWN hidden reservoir?

For mages I've always played that the power of SCROLLS is to some extent
contained within the symbols/words uttered.  This would be a good
explanation as to why once a scroll is read it ceases to be useful
(disintegrates, is blank, unreadable, etc.).  This also gives the
ballsy mage an opportunity to try out spells beyond hir normal capacity.

E.g. a first level mage finds a 'Fireball' spell.  When the scroll is
read this innocent must control the energies pouring THROUGH hir.
Lack of experience may lead to nasty misfires.  If the scroll can only
be used once, this makes it dangerous but potentially valuable to try it.

In our games, this was different for SPELLS, which arise from the mage quite
as a result of training and focus.  The power originates from the individual
mage in this case.


With regard to clerics, I've always heard that clerical 'spells' were, in
actuality, benefits of devotion to deity, and that the deity provides the
power.  The cleric is simply a 'channel' through which the deity operates.

This necessitates a close relationship between cleric and deity, and some
divinities require quite a lot in return for such power.  We had some
clerics lose their spell-casting abilities completely because of being
'in the outs' with their god(s).

In this context 'scrolls' seem almost extraneous, yet I can see one
use for them at least.  Scrolls for a cleric may be similar to that of
a mage, in that they allow the cleric to 'play with' energies which they
might not normally be capable of summoning.  

E.g. the 1st level cleric finds a 'pillar of fire' and then recites
the prayer found on this scroll to incite hir god to pour that energy
through hir.  Watch out!  Special rolls ought be required in both cases
to control these excess energies.  Ever see what happens to an electronic
component that isn't capable of handling excess voltage??   Bzzzzzztt!
Fried to a crackly crunch!  If it isn't lethal, it might put the spell
caster in question up without some mental/spiritual/physical abilities.

--------------------------

I hope my slight intrusion into this newsgroup is appropriate.  I tend
toward real life magick and am very intrigued by rpg systems.   Since
I don't frequent this area you'll have to come over to alt.magick or
email me directly if you'd like to converse.  Thanks.


Thyagi
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Yes, there is such a thing as 'real magick'. ;>