The question isn't just for Wizards but in general you have the option to choose between Arcane focus and Components. Why would anyone choose component? Just curious
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Born under the watch of something from the furthest corners of the far realms.... It knows all.... it sees all... and it asks: "What is it that you want to see?"... and my answer is... ALL"
1.) Style, if you like the idea of a Wizard using all those esoteric spell components to generate a spell instead of just waving a wand.
2.) If you multiclass or otherwise acquire spells from another class that don't count as "your class' spells", you need a separate arcane focus appropriate for each class - or just one component pouch.
3.) Rangers, Tricksters, and Eldritch Knights can't use focuses.
4.) You can use your pouch to carry and organize costly components that must be provided for spells, even if the cost of the pouch doesn't cover them.
5.) There used to be arguments that holding a focus interfered with the somatic components of spells that had no materials (because of wording). I can't imagine any DMs actually being this pedantic, but if they were then a component pouch would be better for mixed VS/VSM casting.
If you're roleplaying, a component pouch might be a little more inconspicuous, as opposed to a fancy carved staff which screams "wizard". A focus, meanwhile, is harder to pickpocket off the person holding it. It all comes down to whatever you want, and won't usually make too much of a difference.
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The question isn't just for Wizards but in general you have the option to choose between Arcane focus and Components. Why would anyone choose component? Just curious
Born under the watch of something from the furthest corners of the far realms.... It knows all.... it sees all... and it asks: "What is it that you want to see?"... and my answer is... ALL"
1.) Style, if you like the idea of a Wizard using all those esoteric spell components to generate a spell instead of just waving a wand.
2.) If you multiclass or otherwise acquire spells from another class that don't count as "your class' spells", you need a separate arcane focus appropriate for each class - or just one component pouch.
3.) Rangers, Tricksters, and Eldritch Knights can't use focuses.
4.) You can use your pouch to carry and organize costly components that must be provided for spells, even if the cost of the pouch doesn't cover them.
5.) There used to be arguments that holding a focus interfered with the somatic components of spells that had no materials (because of wording). I can't imagine any DMs actually being this pedantic, but if they were then a component pouch would be better for mixed VS/VSM casting.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
If you're roleplaying, a component pouch might be a little more inconspicuous, as opposed to a fancy carved staff which screams "wizard". A focus, meanwhile, is harder to pickpocket off the person holding it. It all comes down to whatever you want, and won't usually make too much of a difference.