[RPG] Can a low-level wizard learn and cast higher-level spells

pathfinder-1espellswizard

Suppose you're starting with a level-1 Wizard with the universal arcane school and +5 in INT. The high modifier grants him extra slots, for example one 3rd-level spell slot. Suppose at the end of his first adventure the wizard find a scroll containing fireball. Can he learn the spell, writing it into his spellbook and cast it the next time, using the appropriate spell slot?

Furthermore, suppose the wizard reaches lv. 2: can he choose, as new spells to write on his spellbook, one 4th-level spell and one 5th-level spell (just to make an example), whose slots are again granted by the high Intelligence?

Best Answer

Can I use bonus slots to cast spells above what my class level normally allows?

No.

According to the official Paizo FAQ, you can only use bonus slots for spell levels that your class and level has access to.

For an example of this in action, the Paladin has a "0" in his Level 1 spells per day entry at level 4 (note that up to level 3, he has a "--"). This means he is granted 0 level 1 spells but can use his bonus slots, if he has any, to cast level 1 spells. As far as I am aware, only the ranger and paladin classes fall under this scenario, where bonus slots might grant casting before a class feature gives any per day spell slots.

Copying A Scroll into a Spellbook

There are no restrictions on spell level aside from the usual checks required to copy a spell into the spellbook. The wizard deciphers the magical writing on the scroll and once he has done so, he studies the spell for a minimum of one hour. At the end of the hour he makes a spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell level). If the check is successful, the spell is copied into the book regardless of the level. Copying the spell into the spellbook also costs GP based on the spell level; the exact costs are found in the table under the header Writing a New Spell into a Spellbook on the PRD page for Magic. If the spellcraft check fails he can't try again until a week has passed; the scroll is not consumed.