In the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), bards are known for their versatility and ability to perform magic through music and lore. One often-overlooked ability is the potential for a bard that can scribe scrolls. This feature allows bards to expand their magical toolkit by crafting scrolls that they (or others) can use in future encounters. By doing so, bards can preserve their spells and use them at critical moments without expending a spell slot.
Scribing Scrolls: How Bards Can Do It
While the ability to scribe scrolls is traditionally associated with wizards, bards can also scribe scrolls if they meet certain prerequisites. Bards can take advantage of this feature by learning the Magic Initiate feat or using class features that grant access to specific spells. Scrolls offer a useful way for bards to augment their spellcasting, particularly when managing limited spell slots or preparing for a critical encounter.
Requirements for Scribing Scrolls
To scribe a scroll, a bard needs:
- The Scribe’s Tools or Arcana Proficiency: This can be obtained through background choices or feats.
- Gold and Time: The cost and time required depend on the spell’s level. For example, a 1st-level spell might cost 25 gold and take a few hours, while higher-level spells require more resources.
- Knowledge of the Spell: Bards can only scribe spells they know. However, scrolls created by other classes, like wizards or clerics, can be utilized if they fall within the bard’s spell list.
Benefits of Scroll Scribing for Bards
- Spell Preservation: Scrolls let bards save their most powerful spells for critical moments.
- Versatility in Combat: A bard with a variety of scrolls can react to different challenges without needing to prepare multiple spells.
- Support for the Party: Bards can create scrolls for teammates, such as healing or utility spells, offering extra support when needed.
How to Scribe Scrolls: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose the Spell: Select a spell that the bard knows and can cast.
- Prepare the Materials: Gather the materials required, such as rare inks and parchment, and ensure enough gold is on hand for the spell’s level.
- Spend the Time: The process of scribing takes hours depending on the complexity and level of the spell. A 1st-level spell typically takes 1 day.
- Complete the Scroll: Once finished, the scroll is ready to use or give to another spellcaster.
FAQ
1. Can a bard scribe any scroll?
No, a bard can only scribe scrolls for spells that are on their spell list or that they can cast through feats or other class features.
2. How expensive is it to scribe scrolls?
The cost depends on the spell level. For instance, a 1st-level spell scroll might cost 25 gold, while higher-level spells can cost hundreds or thousands of gold.
3. Can bards use scrolls created by other classes?
Yes, as long as the spell on the scroll is also on the bard’s spell list, they can use it even if it was scribed by a wizard or another class.
4. What tools are needed to scribe scrolls?
Bards need proficiency with either Arcana or Scribe’s Tools to create scrolls.
5. Do bards have to prepare spells in advance to scribe scrolls?
No, unlike wizards, bards do not prepare spells in advance. They can scribe scrolls based on the spells they know at the time.
By becoming a bard that can scribe scrolls, your character can increase their magical flexibility, making them an even more powerful and strategic addition to any adventuring party.
