LogFAQs > #886396802

Mario_VS_DK posted...

In Pathfinder, components are pretty simple to deal with. You just have a spell component pouch that is assumed to have any component or focus without a written value, and you are assumed to stock it back up whenever you're in town.

It's the same in 5e. Basically, you can use a component pouch in the same way you use a focus - ie, substitute it for any material component that doesn't have a cost.

What I'm basically asking is if anyone ever uses a more active material component system, assuming that players don't bypass it entirely by using foci or pouches that way. Or if literally everyone bypasses it via the provided workarounds. Or just ignores it entirely.



Lightning Bolt posted...

Materials are basically the "Arcane Focus". Instead of a symbol of god, it's a bag.

Well, no. The Arcane Focus for an arcane spellcaster is literally an Arcane Focus (or more broadly, a Spellcasting Focus, with Arcane Focus being more specifically for Wizard and the like, with Druid Focus as a separate category of Spellcasting Focus that works for Druids).

Materials are a separate system which, as-written, can be replaced by a focus which is analogous to a holy symbol.

It might sound like semantics, but there IS a separate step in there, which is sort of at the root of the question I'm asking.

Though the fact that every answer to the question so far seems to miss that might in and of itself be the answer to the question.



Lightning Bolt posted...

and inventory management in general is very "solo play" which I don't like to encourage

In a similar vein, I'm also not a fan of Encumbrance rules - but that's an entirely different discussion.


---

"Wall of Text'D!" --- oldskoolplayr76
"POwned again." --- blight family