A focus is just another way to satisfy the Material (M) component needed to cast a spell where it’s required. If a spell needs a material component, you can use your focus instead. If the material component has a monetary value, for example a Pearl worth at least 100gp, then that specific material is still needed.
Do material components disappear?
A spell doesn’t consume its material components unless its description says it does. For example, the pearl required by the identify spell isn’t consumed, whereas the diamond required by raise dead is used up when you cast the spell.
Is concentrating on a spell an action?
Concentrating to maintain a spell is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Anything that could break your concentration when casting a spell can also break your concentration while you’re maintaining one, causing the spell to end.
Can you cast spells without materials?
Spells cast from magic items don’t need the components at all, though the specific item may impose other requirements.
Do you have to have focus to cast a spell?
A spellcaster must have a hand free to access a spell’s material components — or to hold a spellcasting focus — but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.
Is the focus of a spell the same as the foci?
If the latter is true, then the rule of “A spellcaster must have a hand free to access these [material] components, but it can be the same hand that he or she uses to perform somatic components.” extends to the focus, because it’s no different from the material components that the spell normally specifies.
Can a focus prevent somatic components in spellcasting?
A free hand to do somatic components for S (but not M spells) – an occupied hand, even when occupied by a focus, doesn’t meet this requirement (without feats). A free hand to handle components for M (but not S spells) – this hand my be occupied by your focus, which could be a shield, weapon, or instrument depending on class/subclass.
When do you need to handle the material component of a spell?
If a spell has a material component, you need to handle that component when you cast the spell (see page 203 in the Player’s Handbook). The same rule applies if you’re using a spellcasting focus as the material component.
