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.
101
questions
2
votes
1
answer
162
views
When using a deck of cards as a spellcasting focus (with Cartomancer), can you flourish a single card (for Hidden Ace) with the hand holding the deck?
The new Cartomancer feat from The Book of Many Things states that "You can use a card deck as your spellcasting focus." It also states that you can "imbue" a spell "into a ...
- 2,780
3
votes
1
answer
208
views
Is a holy symbol borne on a shield a discrete object for the purposes of being the target of a spell?
Is the holy symbol that a cleric or paladin can use as a spellcasting focus a discrete object? Does it stop being a discrete object when the player decides to bear it on a shield by inlaying it?
For ...
- 2,780
3
votes
3
answers
429
views
As multiclass Sorcerer Warlock can I use Improved Pact Weapon as spellcasting focus for Sorcerer spells?
Both Warlock and Sorcerer use an arcane focus for their spell casting, Improved Pact Weapon lets the Pact of the Blade Warlock use a summoned weapon as their spellcasting focus.
As a multiclass ...
- 103
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can an Artillerist use their eldritch cannon as a focus?
I'm trying to parse out how to wear a shield, still be able to cast spells, and mitigate the cannon's abysmal walking speed in between encounters. Perhaps a shoulder mount, a la "Predator"?
- 128
1
vote
2
answers
288
views
Does the Magic Initiate feat require another focus? [duplicate]
Put simply, if say a druid wanted to take the Magic Initiate feat to gain access to sorcerer spells, would that require them to have a component pouch or arcane focus to cast those spells, as it would ...
- 7,018
10
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Does a spell caster need to hold onto their arcane focus when concentrating on a spell?
The long-short of it is that I want to use the maneuver Disarming Attack to make a mage drop their arcane focus. While I know this will delay their spell casting (as it requires an action to pick up ...
- 7,018
5
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can an Artificer cast V,S spells with no free hand
Just seeking to clear up a bit of confusion. There seems to be a lot of points and counter points floating around so I will start at the beginning.
As I understand it a Artificer (RAW but perhaps not ...
- 1,242
7
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Does a spell have to come from your spellcasting focus?
If I for example use scorching ray does it have to fire out of my focus or can I hold the focus in one hand and fire the spell from the other?
- 73
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Can a multiclassed artificer/rogue use Sneak Attack with spells that use a ranged weapon as a spellcasting focus?
So, according to a tweet by Jeremy Crawford, it is possible to Sneak Attack with a magic stone when using a sling, even though it is a ranged spell attack.
That got me thinking: if an artificer imbues ...
- 13.7k
6
votes
0
answers
105
views
Can a Dhampir Sword Bard use their fangs as a spellcasting focus? [duplicate]
A Dhampir's fanged bite is considered a simple melee weapon,
Vampiric Bite. Your fanged bite is a natural weapon, which counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient.
At level 3, the ...
- 9,846
14
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Do I need to use the Arcane Grimoire as a spellcasting focus to gain its bonuses?
The description of the arcane grimoire magic item states (TCE, p. 120; emphasis mine):
While you are holding this leather-bound book, you can use it as a
spellcasting focus for your wizard spells, ...
- 722
0
votes
3
answers
688
views
What balance pitfalls result from permitting an artillerist artificer to use ordinary, non-infused arcane foci for spellcasting?
For reasons of narrative flexibility, my group is considering house-ruling the artificer to permit using ordinary arcane foci (wands, staves, orbs, etc.) in addition to artisan's tools for ...
- 8,962
3
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Can some Tools be used as a Druidic focus?
While I was thinking about multiclassing Druid with Artificer, I wonder how broad the definition of Druidic Focus is. Might this definition cover some Tools to use the same focus for both Druid and ...
- 315
4
votes
6
answers
3k
views
What is the mechanism for a character swapping their arcane/Druidic focus
As has been pointed out, a Druidic focus and a holy symbol are distinct from an arcane focus, but given they all perform essentially the same function, and the same issues probably apply to all of ...
- 2,029
3
votes
1
answer
506
views
Can a wizard dual wield spellbooks and still use somatics while gaining the spellbooks "held" abilities?
I'm playing a wizard who has come across two magical spellbooks. Both spellbooks have abilities/effects that I may choose to activate if I hold them, as well as functioning as spell foci. In the PHB/...
- 61
1
vote
2
answers
684
views
Do NPC spellcasters need a component pouch or an arcane focus?
By D&D 5e RAW, is it possible for the BBEG (or any NPC) to cast spells without needing material components? Alternatively, is there any powerful magic item (e.g. a ring or pendant) in the ...
- 324
9
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Does wearing a focus keep your hands free?
So the text for the Nature's Mantle in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything states:
while wearing the cloak, you can use it as a focus for your druid and ranger spells." Other foci specify "while ...
- 93
8
votes
1
answer
136
views
Can a wizard have previously prepared objects as backup arcane focuses?
Could a wizard somehow have already prepped objects (like backup wands, staves, or whatever object) as backup arcane focuses?
For example, say you're a Runesage (which is the class I'm interested in), ...
- 81
13
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can an Eldritch Knight use a Ruby of the War Mage?
As explained in How does an arcane focus work with an Eldritch Knight?, Eldritch Knights can't use an arcane focus as a spellcasting focus.
Ruby of the War Mage (XGtE p. 138), however, states:
Etched ...
- 26k
2
votes
0
answers
38
views
Are Spellcasting Focuses inherently magical? [duplicate]
Im having a bit of a quarrel with my DM about if spellcasting focuses are magical. He believes that they are magical since it seems magical to him that you now dont need actual material components ...
- 21
8
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Can an Armorer Artificer wearing Guardian-model Arcane Armor cast a somatic spell without holding tools or having the Warcaster feat?
The Guardian model described in the Arcane Armor feature of the Armorer Artificer includes "Thunder Gauntlets":
Each of the armor’s gauntlets counts as a simple melee weapon while you aren’...
- 5,136
2
votes
2
answers
266
views
Is a bonus for a dedicated spell focus too powerful? [closed]
Would giving a bonus to spell casters via a dedicated spell focus make them too powerful?
Examples:
A dedicated focus for all evocation spells grants a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and damage. A ...
- 47
9
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Can I use a gauntlet as an arcane focus?
I am creating a Dragonborn warlock character and was just wondering if I could get a crystal arcane focus set into the middle of a gauntlet?
- 91
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 ...
- 1,574
6
votes
1
answer
924
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 ...
- 5,136
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
774
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 ...
- 544
2
votes
0
answers
84
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 ...
- 544
3
votes
1
answer
128
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 ...
- 3,302
11
votes
3
answers
4k
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 ...
- 78.6k
1
vote
1
answer
102
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 ...
- 125
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
328
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
1
vote
2
answers
2k
views
How does a character multiclassing into warlock get a focus?
I have a martial character I want to multi-class into warlock but from what I can see in the book, it looks like they would not receive an arcane focus since they don't get their new class' starting ...
- 681
14
votes
1
answer
4k
views
If a character can use a +X magic weapon as a spellcasting focus, does it add the bonus to spell attacks or spell save DCs?
My 5e College of Swords bard can use a weapon as a spell focus for their spell casting.
If they have a +1 rapier and cast a spell requiring a spell attack roll, do they get the +1 added to their ...
- 13.7k
14
votes
2
answers
11k
views
Can a Bard use an arcane focus?
The description of the Weave of Magic in the Spellcasting chapter says Bards are users of Arcane magic, but they seem to only be offered the use of an instrument as a focus. Can they use a standard ...
- 124k
1
vote
0
answers
2k
views
If a UA Artificer infuses a weapon and uses it as a spellcasting focus, can it be used for the somatic component of a spell too? [duplicate]
The new Artificer class (from Unearthed Arcana) for 5e can infuse magic into weapons or shields, and use the infused item as a spell focus for material components. However, can you wave your focus for ...
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can a 2019 UA Artificer use a Mizzium Apparatus as a spellcasting focus?
In the 2019 Unearthed Arcana version of the Artificer, they are noted as using artisan's tools as the foci of their spells, rather than the more typical arcane or divine focuses, though the ...
- 13.7k
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Which components for the Simulacrum spell are consumed?
The components of the simulacrum spell read as follows
Components: V, S, M (snow or ice in quantities sufficient to made a life-size copy of the duplicated creature; some hair, fingernail clippings,...
- 4,737
24
votes
5
answers
8k
views
Can a Spell Focus or Component Pouch be used with a spell that has costless consumed components?
Spellcasters do not always need to provide the literal materials when casting spells with costless components, that's what pouches and foci are for.
A character can use a component pouch or a ...
- 21k
0
votes
1
answer
331
views
Are all magical staves and wands spellcasting foci? [duplicate]
Are magical items such as:
Staff of Frost DMG page 202
Staff of Power DMG page 202
Wand of Fireballs DMG page 210
Wand of the War Mage +1 DMG page 212
Considered to be foci usable for spellcasting, ...
- 1,389
12
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Can Hexblade warlocks use a staff and shield?
Hexblade warlocks gain proficiency with shields at 1st level from the Hex Warrior feature (p. 55):
At 1st level, you acquire the training necessary to effectively arm
yourself for battle. You ...
- 1,389
4
votes
1
answer
22k
views
Is a Hexblade Warlock's weapon their arcane focus by default?
I'm playing a Hexblade with Pact of the Blade, and I was wondering whether the weapon you use as part of the Hex Warrior ability counts as an arcane focus, or only if it's a pact weapon and you have ...
9
votes
2
answers
757
views
Are Arcane Foci universal for Arcane casters?
Do I need one focus per spellcasting class I have, or does one work for both? In other words if I multi class from Warlock to Sorcerer, do I need an Arcane Focus for both classes or use just one ...
- 11k
30
votes
4
answers
4k
views
Can Yew Wands be used as a focus for both druids and wizards?
As I was developing a level 4 character for a 5th edition D&D campaign I was playing with my friends, I settled on a multi-class character using the Druid and Wizard classes. When I went to choose ...
- 301
9
votes
2
answers
5k
views
If a bard uses a musical instrument as their spellcasting focus, can they add their proficiency bonus to an ability check made as part of a spell?
The following things are true:
Bards are allowed to use their musical instruments as spell focuses.
Proficiency with a musical instrument allows you to add your proficiency bonus to ability checks ...
- 4,870