In the monster manual, there are a number of creatures that act as spellcasters (such as Lichs, Vampires, etc). Some of these spellcasters are capable of using very powerful magic. How do the necessity of material components for the spells work for these creatures? Are Lichs expected to have a spellcasting focus like a normal wizard would? What about spells that have a material component with a cost? Should I assume that the monster is always carrying those items on his/her person?
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I definitely assume they have the required components/foci to cast whatever spells are in their stat block.
Of course, that stuff could be lootable, so you might still want to keep track of it anyway. Otherwise, I just use it for describing the casting of spells during combat.
Casting a spell requires providing all of the components. Any exceptions will be noted in the monster's stat block or whatever rule is granting access to the spell.
Monsters with a Spellcasting trait are casting spells in the same manner as a PC class and the DM can swap their spells out if desired.
Innate Spellcasting represents an inherent magical ability similar to PC races like Drow or Tiefling; those can't be swapped and will usually remove at least the material components (e.g. Deva.) Psionics will usually remove all components.
If a monster needs material components, you assume it has them, just like you'd assume most humanoids have clothing. Costly materials aren't addressed, so use your best judgment for how many uses they'd carry.
All of these details are covered in the introduction to the Monster Manual (or equivalent chapter of the Basic Rules.)
In the monster manual, there are a number of creatures that act as spellcasters (such as Lichs, Vampires, etc). Some of these spellcasters are capable of using very powerful magic. How do the necessity of material components for the spells work for these creatures? Are Lichs expected to have a spellcasting focus like a normal wizard would? What about spells that have a material component with a cost? Should I assume that the monster is always carrying those items on his/her person?
Three-time Judge of the Competition of the Finest Brews! Come join us in making fun, unique homebrew and voting for your favorite entries!
I definitely assume they have the required components/foci to cast whatever spells are in their stat block.
Of course, that stuff could be lootable, so you might still want to keep track of it anyway. Otherwise, I just use it for describing the casting of spells during combat.
Casting a spell requires providing all of the components. Any exceptions will be noted in the monster's stat block or whatever rule is granting access to the spell.
Monsters with a Spellcasting trait are casting spells in the same manner as a PC class and the DM can swap their spells out if desired.
Innate Spellcasting represents an inherent magical ability similar to PC races like Drow or Tiefling; those can't be swapped and will usually remove at least the material components (e.g. Deva.) Psionics will usually remove all components.
If a monster needs material components, you assume it has them, just like you'd assume most humanoids have clothing. Costly materials aren't addressed, so use your best judgment for how many uses they'd carry.
All of these details are covered in the introduction to the Monster Manual (or equivalent chapter of the Basic Rules.)
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