Questions tagged [spellcasting-focus]
For questions about items which serve as a focus for in spellcasting. Examples include wands and staves. NOTE: For questions about magic items such as magic wands or staves, use [magic-items] instead.
120
questions
8
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Can the diamond material component for the Chromatic Orb spell be used as an Arcane Focus?
The Chromatic Orb spell (PHB, p. 221) has a material component of "a diamond worth at least 50 gp".
Meanwhile, the description of the Arcane Focus item says (emphasis mine):
An arcane focus ...
- 1,594
6
votes
1
answer
1k
views
If a spellcaster's racial trait grants a spell that requires material components, can they use their class' focus to cast that spell?
Based on the answer to this question about non-spellcasters, spells granted by racial traits don't waive the need for material components. However, can spellcasters use their class' allowed focuses ...
- 5,276
0
votes
1
answer
6k
views
What is a Paladin's Holy Symbol for?
As with all Paladins, mine has a holy symbol. What is its purpose? Does it being inscribed on my sword hilt have any bearing?
- 685
6
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Does Improved Pact Weapon allow casting a spell with somatic and material components using a Heavy-crossbow as the focus?
As stated in the title, I've read about casting spells with somatic component with two-handed weapons here.
The thing is that the Xanathar's warlock invocation [Improved Pact Weapon] says that you can ...
- 125
0
votes
1
answer
863
views
If I use a quarterstaff as my Arcane Focus, can I add my Proficiency Bonus, the way a Bard does when using an instrument as their arcane focus?
A Bard can add their Proficiency Bonus to checks they make with a Musical Instrument they're proficient with. It says on p.154 under Musical Instruments in the Player's Handbook:
If you have ...
- 564
3
votes
0
answers
90
views
Can a "staff arcane focus" also act like a Quarterstaff? [duplicate]
Can I use a Quarterstaff as an Arcane Focus (Staff)?
In my opinion it would make sense.
They both even have the same weight!
The reason I'm asking this is because I'm making a wizard and it would ...
- 564
3
votes
1
answer
144
views
If you cast a spell with a focus component and a long duration, does it end if the focus component goes missing?
I can't seem to find a good example outside of 3rd party materials right now and pending GM or Dev input I figured I'd ask here. The example I'm specifically looking at is the Dart Gun I spell from ...
- 3,321
11
votes
3
answers
5k
views
What exactly are you getting when you buy an Emblem Holy Symbol?
The description for the Emblem Holy Symbol is as follows (PHB, p. 151):
Holy Symbol. A holy symbol is a representation of a god or pantheon. It might an amulet depicting a symbol representing a ...
- 79.3k
1
vote
1
answer
104
views
Do you still take the focus penalty from the Cunning Caster feat when your focus is permanent?
Cunning Caster
This feat allows you to hide spellcasting, but takes penalties for every visual aspect of the spell you need to hide.
The general benefit is below:
When casting a spell, you can ...
- 83
5
votes
1
answer
8k
views
Druids, Focuses, Shields, and Spells involving a weapon
One of my players has a 2nd level Druid. He’s been casting shillelagh on his club, he’s also using a shield. I’ve been a little loose with the Druidic focus mechanics but I desire to be more precise ...
- 51
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How does the Mizzium Apparatus's ability to serve as an arcane focus interact with its ability to let you cast a spell you don't know/have prepared?
I recently got to DM my first campaign, and I was planning on letting my players get their hands on a Mizzium Apparatus. However, reading what the Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica says about the item, ...
- 81
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Can I use a ring as an arcane focus if my hand must still be empty?
I'm designing an outlander wood elf warlock who only has one hand. I feel like this would prevent me from cheating the action economy, while still allowing me to carry things with that hand. If I need ...
- 143
15
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Can an Arcane Focus be embedded in one's body?
So, I had this idea for an albino orc, who was thrown out of his clan for being different, and ended up being raised by some elves. These elves taught him the way of magic, and thus, there was Vajor ...
- 153
1
vote
0
answers
341
views
Unarmed Sorcerer's Spell Focus? [closed]
My sorcerer player has taken exception to the existence of the Hat of Wizardry being wearable on the head but not usable by a sorcerer, a class whom in their opinion shouldn't need any spell focuses ...
- 517
6
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Does a multiclassed Oathbreaker paladin/warlock have to know the Darkness spell as a warlock to cast it using an arcane focus?
As an Oathbreaker Paladin/Warlock, my character gets darkness as an oath spell at level 5, meaning he can cast it using his holy symbol. In the event that he loses his holy symbol, does he have to ...
- 163