DND Scroll of Protection (Stats, Uses, & Ultimate Guide)

The Scroll of Protection is an item of immense significance and utility in DND.

Our ultimate guide dives deep into the intricacies of this mystical item, its stats, types, pros and cons, and creative ways to utilize it.

DND Scroll of Protection Stat Block

Categories	Scroll of Protection Stats
Item Type	Scroll (Magical)
Weight	Negligible
Rarity	Rare but varies (Depends on type)
Base Price	Varies (Depends on type) but usually between 2,500 gp and 25,000 gp

What Is a DND Scroll of Protection?

In D&D, a Scroll of Protection is a powerful defensive item that provides a shield against specific kinds of threats.

This single-use parchment contains a magical inscription.

When read aloud, the scroll creates a barrier to protect the user and their companions from designated creatures or forces.

The potency and protective radius of the scroll depend on its type.

Depending on the type of Scroll of Protection you’re wielding, you can repel undead, protect yourself from elemental forces, or keep other menacing creatures at bay.

The duration of the scroll’s effect varies but typically lasts until the reader’s next long rest.

The catch is, the barrier remains stationary once established.

Therefore, it requires strategic positioning and careful planning.

Types of DND Scrolls of Protection

D&D features several types of Scrolls of Protection.

Each type is designed to shield against a different type of threat.

• Scroll of Protection from Undead: These scrolls create a barrier that repels undead creatures. Whether it’s skeletons, zombies, or phantoms, they’ll have to keep their distance.
• Scroll of Protection from Elementals: If you’re battling fire elementals, water elementals, or other forces of nature, this scroll is your best bet.
• Scroll of Protection from Fiends: Fiends are nasty opponents. This scroll keeps demons and devils at bay.

The more specific the scroll, the stronger its protection against that specific threat.

Who Can Use a DND Scroll of Protection?

Scrolls of Protection are typically classified as magic items, which means they can be used by anyone, regardless of their class or level.

You don’t need to be a spellcaster to read the inscription and activate the protective barrier.

It’s a one-time use item.

But in the heat of battle or in the presence of overwhelming odds, it can be a lifesaver.

But there’s a catch.

Activating a Scroll of Protection requires an action, and once it’s activated, the user must stay within the barrier’s radius to maintain the effect.

If the reader is forcefully moved out of the circle or willingly leaves, the effect ends immediately.

Is a DND Scroll of Protection Good?

Overall, the scroll is good.

However, the value of a Scroll of Protection is heavily dependent on the situation.

In a combat scenario where the party is up against a horde of specific creatures, this scroll is invaluable.

It’s a powerful, albeit temporary, line of defense that can buy much-needed time or provide a safe space for strategic planning or healing.

On the other hand, it can be less useful when the threats you’re facing are unpredictable.

Or if they are varied in nature.

Since each scroll is designed to ward off specific threats, it may not help much if you’re facing a mixed group of enemies.

Plus, the stationary nature of the protection means it’s less effective in mobile fights.

Pros and Cons of DND Scroll of Protection

Here are some pros and cons of the Scroll of Protection:

Pros

• Offers significant protection against specific threats.
• Can protect the whole party if they stay within the barrier.
• Doesn’t require spellcasting ability to use.

Cons

• Is a single-use item.
• The barrier is stationary and ends if the user moves out.
• May not be effective against mixed groups of enemies.

DND Scroll of Protection vs Other Similar Items

There are other protective items in D&D, such as the Ring of Protection or the Cloak of Protection, which also offer defensive benefits.

However, they differ in functionality.

For instance, the Ring of Protection provides a constant boost to the wearer’s Armor Class and saving throws, while the Scroll of Protection offers a temporary barrier against specific threats.

The Cloak of Protection, on the other hand, also gives a bonus to the wearer’s Armor Class and saving throws.

But it needs to be worn and attuned.

The Scroll of Protection requires no attunement and can be used by anyone, making it a versatile choice, especially for non-spellcasters.

The Shield spell is another form of protection in D&D.

It serves as an instant defense mechanism that can deflect attacks and block Magic Missiles.

Unlike the Scroll of Protection, the Shield spell is instantaneous and lasts until the start of your next turn, making it more suitable for immediate, short-term defense.

However, the Shield spell requires a spellcaster.

Any character can use the Scroll of Protection.

Lastly, items like the Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location or a Ring of Mind Shielding may protect you from specific types of harm or detection.

Yet, they lack the broader, party-wide protective abilities of the Scroll of Protection.

These items are more suited for individual protection or specific scenarios.

Example of the DND Scroll of Protection in Gameplay

Imagine your party has just broken into a crypt.

An army of skeletal warriors rises around you, bone clattering against stone in the echoey chamber.

The cleric steps forward, clutching a Scroll of Protection from Undead. As they read the incantations inscribed upon the parchment, a radiant barrier forms around the group, shimmering with ethereal light.

The advancing skeletons halt abruptly, unable to cross the mystical boundary.

Now, your party has the opportunity to strategically manage the situation, heal any injuries, or even plan a careful retreat.

This narrative example illustrates the potential of a Scroll of Protection, turning a dire situation into a manageable one.

It’s a dramatic game-changer when used strategically.

10 Creative Ways Players Can Use DND Scroll of Protection

1. Tactical Retreat: Use a Scroll of Protection to buy time and create a safe space for a strategic retreat.
2. Secure Rest: If you’re in dangerous territory and need to rest, use a Scroll of Protection to create a safe zone.
3. Healing Hub: In the midst of battle, set up a protective barrier where healers can safely restore the party’s hit points.
4. Safe Exploration: Unleash a Scroll of Protection before entering a suspicious area or while handling a potentially dangerous object within its radius.
5. Bargaining Chip: A Scroll of Protection could also serve as a valuable bargaining chip in negotiations with other characters.
6. Distraction: Use the scroll to create a safe area and draw enemy attention while other party members execute a plan.
7. Ambush Set-Up: While protected, take time to plan and set up a perfect ambush.
8. Protection Against Environmental Dangers: If you’re expecting an environmental threat like a sandstorm or a blizzard, a Scroll of Protection from Elementals can be a lifesaver.
9. Guard Duty: If you’re tasked with guarding an individual or an object, a Scroll of Protection can create a perfect protective zone.
10. Prevent an Escape: If you’re facing a specific enemy type, you could potentially use the scroll’s barrier to prevent that enemy from escaping.

Each of these methods showcases the flexibility of the Scroll of Protection and provides inspiration on how to use it beyond simply activating it in combat.

Here is a video about how to use scrolls in DND:

50 DM Ideas for the DND Scroll of Protection

1. A mysterious vendor sells a Scroll of Protection but doesn’t reveal from what it protects.
2. The party must retrieve a Scroll of Protection from a dangerous dungeon as part of a quest.
3. A Scroll of Protection is the only defense against an otherwise invulnerable creature stalking the party.
4. The party stumbles upon an ancient Scroll of Protection that is partially damaged, and they must decipher its remaining magic.
5. The party needs to protect an NPC, and a Scroll of Protection is their best bet.
6. A Scroll of Protection is found, but it’s written in an ancient, nearly forgotten language.
7. The party needs to use a Scroll of Protection to safely pass through an area populated by dangerous creatures.
8. A villain uses a Scroll of Protection to keep the party at bay while performing a ritual.
9. The party discovers a Scroll of Protection that has been wrongfully used, causing adverse effects.
10. A powerful being requests a Scroll of Protection as part of a trade.
11. The party finds a scroll that is not immediately identified as a Scroll of Protection.
12. A deceitful character sells the party a counterfeit Scroll of Protection.
13. The party must protect a location from an onslaught of a certain type of creature, with a Scroll of Protection as their only defense.
14. The party finds a Scroll of Protection in the belongings of a fallen comrade.
15. A riddle or prophecy hints at the need for a Scroll of Protection.
16. The only safe place to rest in a dangerous environment is within the barrier of a Scroll of Protection.
17. A Scroll of Protection is used to seal a dangerous artifact or entity.
18. A horde of specific creatures lays siege to a town, and the town’s defense revolves around a Scroll of Protection.
19. The party must escort a Scroll of Protection to a specific location, protecting it from those who want to steal it.
20. A villain has a Scroll of Protection that they constantly move, preventing the party from reaching them.
21. The party comes across a wizard’s library with several Scrolls of Protection, each with slightly different properties.
22. The party encounters a creature that can only communicate when within the barrier of a Scroll of Protection.
23. A friendly NPC provides a Scroll of Protection, hinting at upcoming danger.
24. The party is hired to test the efficacy of a newly designed Scroll of Protection.
25. A prophecy reveals that only with a Scroll of Protection can the party defeat their main adversary.
26. An evil mage is creating cursed Scrolls of Protection that attract the very things they are supposed to ward off.
27. A collection of Scrolls of Protection are found, but each has a cryptic label that doesn’t clearly identify its protective qualities.
28. The party has to navigate a maze full of a particular type of enemy, with a Scroll of Protection as their only aid.
29. A guild of thieves is stealing all the Scrolls of Protection from a city’s magical shops.
30. A Scroll of Protection holds the key to a locked door or magical portal.
31. A creature is trapped within a protective barrier from a Scroll of Protection, and the party must figure out how to free it.
32. A character’s backstory involves a Scroll of Protection that saved their life.
33. A group of non-magical townsfolk mistakenly use a Scroll of Protection as a mundane parchment.
34. The party must acquire a Scroll of Protection to prove their worthiness to a guild or organization.
35. A protective barrier from a Scroll of Protection prevents access to a much-needed location.
36. The party encounters a con artist selling Scrolls of Protection that are actually just regular paper.
37. The party is tasked with creating a Scroll of Protection for an upcoming event.
38. An NPC mistakes a different magical scroll for a Scroll of Protection with disastrous consequences.
39. The party finds a Scroll of Protection with its protective magic already activated.
40. A Scroll of Protection is the last will and testament of a great hero, leaving their possessions to anyone who can break its barrier.
41. A Scroll of Protection from an unknown threat is found, leading the party on a quest to identify the danger.
42. The party is asked to deliver a Scroll of Protection, but they are ambushed en route.
43. A rare Scroll of Protection is the prize in a grand tournament or competition.
44. A character’s mentor gifts them a Scroll of Protection as a symbol of their graduation or achievement.
45. The party discovers an ancient ritual that involves using a Scroll of Protection.
46. A Scroll of Protection is a treasured family heirloom, passed down through generations.
47. A powerful Scroll of Protection is broken into pieces, and the party must gather them all.
48. A small town uses a Scroll of Protection as a city shield, but it’s wearing thin.
49. A magical creature can only be seen or communicated with through the barrier of a Scroll of Protection.
50. A cryptic map to a lost treasure is hidden on the back of a Scroll of Protection.

What Official DND Books Mention the Scroll of Protection?

The Scroll of Protection is mentioned in a number of official Dungeons & Dragons sourcebooks across different editions.

Here are some key books where you can find information about it:

1. Dungeon Master’s Guide: This guidebook, which is an essential resource for any D&D Dungeon Master, includes rules for magic items, including consumables like the Scroll of Protection.
2. Player’s Handbook: While mainly focused on character creation and gameplay rules, this book also contains some details about magic items and their use, mentioning the Scroll of Protection.
3. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything: This is a supplementary guidebook for the 5th edition of D&D. It expands upon the magic item rules and offers additional guidance on using and distributing magic items.
4. Volo’s Guide to Monsters: Another supplement for D&D’s 5th edition, this book has a focus on monsters, including those from which a Scroll of Protection might defend. While not directly discussing the scroll, it provides context that can help DMs and players understand its usage better.

DND Scroll of Protection FAQ

Let’s answer some of the most common questions about the Scroll of Protection:

Is DND Scroll of Protection Single-Use?

Yes, a Scroll of Protection in Dungeons & Dragons is a single-use item.

The magic inscribed on the scroll is released upon reading, and the power that creates the protective barrier is consumed in the process.

This makes each scroll a precious and strategic resource.

The single-use nature of the item compels players to think carefully about when and where to use it, adding a layer of strategy to gameplay.

Once its magic is activated and its effects have taken place, the scroll is rendered useless.

Is DND Scroll of Protection Consumable?

Indeed, the Scroll of Protection is considered a consumable item in D&D.

The magical properties of the scroll are consumed in the process of creating the protective barrier.

As a result, after its activation, the Scroll of Protection loses its magic and becomes, essentially, a regular piece of parchment.

While the scroll itself might remain, its utility as a magical item is depleted.

And it typically holds no further value.

Can Anyone Use a DND Scroll of Protection?

One of the great benefits of a Scroll of Protection in D&D is that any character can use it.

This is regardless of their class, level, or magical ability.

This is unlike many magic items, which often require a character to have specific traits or abilities.

Hence, in a diverse party with different strengths and abilities, a Scroll of Protection can be an essential tool, usable by anyone in a pinch.

Does a Scroll of Protection Require Attunement?

No, a Scroll of Protection does not require attunement.

Many magical items in D&D require a character to form a bond with the item, a process known as attunement.

This process can take a while.

It means that a character can only have a limited number of attuned items. Fortunately, the Scroll of Protection can be used instantly, with no need for this bonding period.

This is a key advantage, as it allows the scroll to be used in immediate response to threats.

What Types of Creatures or Forces Can a Scroll of Protection Protect Against?

The type of threat a Scroll of Protection can guard against depends on the specific type of scroll.

While a general Scroll of Protection may offer a broad defensive bonus, there are more specific scrolls tailored to protect against certain types of creatures or forces.

Some of the most common types of Scrolls of Protection are those designed to protect against:

• Undead creatures
• Elementals
• Fiends

There are also Scrolls of Protection that can ward against magical elements, like a Scroll of Protection from Magic.

These different types allow players to choose a scroll that fits the dangers they most encounter.

The exact protections offered by a scroll depend on its type.

So it’s always important to know exactly what kind of Scroll of Protection you have in your possession.

Final Thoughts: DND Scroll of Protection

The Scroll of Protection is not the only item, weapon, or tool in DND.

If you liked this article, you’ll probably enjoy the other articles I’ve listed for you below.

Thanks for reading!

Related Posts:

• DND Longsword (Stats, Mechanics, & Ultimate Guide)
• DND Scimitar (Stats, Uses, & Ultimate Guide)
• Electrum DND: Conversions, Tips, and Ultimate Guide
• Piton in D&D (Complete Guide for Beginners)

Sources

DND Player’s Handbook (Wizards of the Coast)
Personal experience