I've searched around the internet and didn't see anyone make this specific question, so: for a spell that DOES have a material component but does NOT consume that component/does NOT have a price on the component, does an arcane focus actually do anything other than adding flavor to the narrative? For example, I know wizards need to recreate their spellbooks if they lose them. Are there any similar rules for, let's imagine, disarming a caster if they lose their arcane focus? Because that's one of the few uses I can think for it to make a significant contribution to battle mechanics rather than just narrative.
In case this is explained in the Dungeon Master's Guide specifically, please let me know, I've avoided reading that one so I don't metagame on accident.
There are a few things that can cause a character to drop something they're holding, and arcane foci aren't exempt from that. In addition, an arcane focus has to be held, so you can't wield an arcane focus, a shield, and a torch all at the same time.
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Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
M components in general help allow a caster to be "disarmed" when a scene calls for it without someone having to conveniently have anti-magic shackles or a similar overt contrivance.
I've searched around the internet and didn't see anyone make this specific question, so: for a spell that DOES have a material component but does NOT consume that component/does NOT have a price on the component, does an arcane focus actually do anything other than adding flavor to the narrative? For example, I know wizards need to recreate their spellbooks if they lose them. Are there any similar rules for, let's imagine, disarming a caster if they lose their arcane focus? Because that's one of the few uses I can think for it to make a significant contribution to battle mechanics rather than just narrative.
In case this is explained in the Dungeon Master's Guide specifically, please let me know, I've avoided reading that one so I don't metagame on accident.
There are a few things that can cause a character to drop something they're holding, and arcane foci aren't exempt from that. In addition, an arcane focus has to be held, so you can't wield an arcane focus, a shield, and a torch all at the same time.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
M components in general help allow a caster to be "disarmed" when a scene calls for it without someone having to conveniently have anti-magic shackles or a similar overt contrivance.
Makes sense! Thank you all for the explanation.