[RPG] (How) Can a Rogue use the Use Magic Device feature to cast spells from Spell Scrolls

class-featurednd-5emagic-itemsroguespells

Thief rogues get the Use Magic Device feature at 13th level, which lets them ignore all class, race, and level requirements on the use of magic items.

Spell scrolls are an unintelligible cipher if the spell isn't on your class's spell list. If using a spell scroll to cast a spell higher than you're normally capable of, you need to make an ability check using your spellcasting ability against a DC equal to 10 + spell level.

Since the Thief rogue ignores all class and level requirements on the use of magic items, does this mean they may use spell scrolls without an ability check regardless of their level (essentially allowing them to be able to fake being a high-level caster for any class as the situation warrants)?

Or does the ability just let them attempt to use the scroll, but because the spell's not on their spell list (because they don't have a spell list), they need to make the ability check? If so, what ability would they use to make the spellcasting ability check?

Best Answer

This has been addressed in the latest Sage Advice.

Thank you, @V2Blast

Sage Advice

Does the Thief’s Use Magic Device feature allow them to use spell scrolls?

Yes. The intent is that a Thief can use spell scrolls with Use Magic Device.

DMG page 141 is also of some help here (Casting Spells):

The ability check is still required to cast from the scroll but, as a Rogue has no spell-casting ability score, their's is always treated as zero when casting spells from magic items. It would stand to reason that a check would be in order to cast the spell from a scroll as well, the only issue is that it is just a d20 roll for them.

If you don't have a spellcasting ability—perhaps you're a rogue with the Use Magic Device feature—your spellcasting ability modifier is +0 for the item...

It does go on to say that your proficiency bonus (PB) does apply but this is specifically called out as an ability check so your PB does not apply to those. If it were a Wand or Staff, is what I believe the PB is intended to use.