Dungeons Masters, have you ever wanted to fill up a hoard, but had no clue what to put in it? Did you stare at the pages and nothing jumped out at you? Sure, you’re adding in more potions now, but it still isn’t quite varied enough. What do you do? What else is there? Let me reintroduce you to spell scrolls.
Just like with potions, scrolls don’t come up much. Maybe it’s because they’re too niche? Maybe players don’t think much about having one extra use of a spell, especially with at-will magic? Whatever the case, you didn’t give them much thought before. Now’s the time to end that, so take a page from my book and see the 10 best spell scrolls in Dungeons and Dragons.
- Spell Scroll of Mending
A cantrip spell scroll? Really? Yes, really! Part of the point of scrolls is their utility, and the mending cantrip is just that. Utility! Few spellcasters pick mending, they just have other priorities. Having scrolls at the ready can be very useful! Rust monster chewed clean through your sword? Spell scroll of mending! Wagon wheel broke in the middle of the road? Spell scroll of mending! What’s more, almost all (primary) spellcasters can use it, so drop it in a low level hoard. - Spell Scroll of Feather Fall
Feather fall is another one of those highly utilitarian spells. You’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Being able to survive a lethal fall with the grace of a cloud is fun. Though, it’s a mistake to think of it only for emergencies. It’s also handy if you willingly jump off some dangerous heights. When you need to get down, it beats the stairs by a mile. - Spell Scroll of Enhance Ability
Advantage is easy to get in 5th Edition D&D. There’s the Help action, some people still use Flanking, the Inspiration mechanics, etc. The easiest way is to just have enhance ability. Simply helping a guy succeed on check feels great and avoids setbacks, so a scroll of it is worth having. - Spell Scroll of Revivify
Always have ways to revive a dead character. Always. - Spell Scroll of Greater Invisibility
Most invisibility effects are temporary, and that’s fine. Greater invisibility throws most of that out the window. Its invisibility effect can only work on one creature, but won’t end if the recipient attacks or casts a spell. Suddenly, you go from “I can set up some ambushes really well” to “I come out of most battles unscathed.” This makes it a welcome treasure in any spellcaster’s back pocket. - Spell Scroll of Scrying
Being able to check up on people and places is immensely useful. Scrying on your own familiar or stealthy ally broadens your scouting abilities considerably. - Spell Scroll of Otiluke’s Freezing Sphere
Finally, 6th-Level spells are starting to get strong and scarce. Casters don’t learn or cast as many of these stronger spells. The competition for magic only gets fiercer from here on out. I added Otiluke’s freezing sphere to this list because it is both an offensive spell and a utility spell. It isn’t really worth a spell slot. It is worth casting from a scroll, using the sphere function, and then handing it over to a slinger. - Spell Scroll of Finger of Death
Across all tables, finger of death is fun. Who doesn’t like simultaneously killing and zombifying a creature? Even if they know this spell, players are happy to have more spell scrolls of finger of death. - Spell Scroll of Power Word Stun
Many say the “power word” spells are bad. There’s truth to this. However, don’t be fooled. Power word stun is worth having, at least as a scroll. Stunning targets, sometimes ones that have been softened up, can turn the tide in a battle. - Spell Scroll of Foresight
At the pinnacle of spells, I have a hard time not recommending meteor swarm, time stop, or wish. But, of all the spells at 9th level, foresight is the most accessible. That makes it the best spell as treasure by default. Nearly every major spellcasting class can cast foresight, they just don’t make it a priority. But that’s fine, it’s a fantastic spell, it’s just that the competition is just that fierce now. Regardless, many a player will be happy to have a spell scroll of foresight in the next hoard they claim.
My list is done. The best 10 spell scrolls for treasure. That said, almost any spell works. In fact, you should also choose unusual spells to make into spell scrolls. For example, players often like casting low level spells with higher slots, but can feel guilty about not being optimal. So do it for them! Drop in some spell scrolls of magic missile or spiritual weapon or thunderwave, just set at a higher level. In particular, I suggest using spell scrolls as the players’ chance to try out new spells. Color spray has yet to see play at my table. Now it’ll find its way into a treasure hoard. So take a page from my book, use spell scrolls in your treasure hoards!
-The Clark Side