The question arose last session of whether Audric could use find familiar without satisfying the [exorbitant] material component requirement (from the 2e PH, p. 134):
I'm going to rule “yes.” Material components in 2e are treated as optional, and thus far I've made little effort to enforce them. In the case of find familiar specifically, there are already lots of strings attached to this spell (only cast once/year, chance of no familiar in area, consequences if the familiar dies), and there seems to be a solid base of 2e-ers who agree that the cost in this edition (as opposed to 100 gp in 1e) is too over-the-top.
Going forward, assume that material components for spells are not being used, though I reserve the right to “opt in” if it seems appropriate enough for a particular spell. I don't plan to make such decisions lightly, though.
When the wizard decides to find a familiar, he must load a brass brazier with charcoal. When this is burning well, he adds 1,000 gp worth of incense and herbs.
I'm going to rule “yes.” Material components in 2e are treated as optional, and thus far I've made little effort to enforce them. In the case of find familiar specifically, there are already lots of strings attached to this spell (only cast once/year, chance of no familiar in area, consequences if the familiar dies), and there seems to be a solid base of 2e-ers who agree that the cost in this edition (as opposed to 100 gp in 1e) is too over-the-top.
Going forward, assume that material components for spells are not being used, though I reserve the right to “opt in” if it seems appropriate enough for a particular spell. I don't plan to make such decisions lightly, though.
What about identify? It has drawbacks as well (temporary, but lengthy casting time and time to recover constitution), and also only provides a chance of learning something upon each casting.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is fun to try and discover the purpose of magic items through use (like guessing at what the beads did, as well as the magic spoon!) it's also a pain sometimes having to remember mystery bonuses from a magical axe, some manner of defensive necklace, and so on.
Thoughts? Could be useful, still requires a lot of planning & time to memorize & cast, but could potentially spoil certain plot elements (like Audric's ring).
I won't require the material components for identify. The pearl isn't consumed anyway, so even if I did, any drawbacks would still apply once it gets acquired (and the rest of the components are closer to mundane).
DeleteMaterial components are flavorful in concept, and I love the idea of making a session out of acquiring an owl feather... but I'm not sure it would be so fulfilling, in practice. Maybe something to save for a future campaign.
For what it's worth, my tendency is to unveil magic bonuses (for armor, weapons, etc.) after the item has been employed enough to discern its effectiveness. I may forget to do this proactively, though, so always feel free to ask.