D&D 5E Is the only purpose of a spellcasting focus to eschew common material components?

[Nagol]

Looking through the basic set, I see each spell caster gets a different type of spellcasting focus. It's referenced under the class description and then again in the equipment. Both areas mention rules will be found in Chapter 10. In Chapter 10, the only reference to a focus' use is it acts, like a spell component pouch, to replace any cheap (and perhaps non-consumed -- it depends on how you read the paragraph) material component.

Is that its only use?

 

[steeldragons]

Seems so. Yes.

By the same token, depending on a focus instead of using/carrying components means that when your focus is dropped, lost, stolen, wrested from your grip, say goodbye to any of your spells that need material components. LOVE it! bwahahaha.

EDIT: Not that it is the ONLY purpose...the only mechanical effect that I can see, yes. But some folks might want to use it simply because it fits their character concept...and/or like the aesthetic...so there's at least one other reason for it.

 

[Nagol]

Seems so. Yes.

By the same token, depending on a focus instead of using/carrying components means that when your focus is dropped, lost, stolen, wrested from your grip, say goodbye to any of your spells that need material components. LOVE it! bwahahaha.

EDIT: Not that it is the ONLY purpose...the only mechanical effect that I can see, yes. But some folks might want to use it simply because it fits their character concept...and/or like the aesthetic...so there's at least one other reason for it.

So carry a spell component pouch. It seems.. moderately pointless, certainly not something that needs to be called out as a Wizard class feature.

It is almost as if the arcane focus is a placeholder that they'll use a hook for future equipment development (this focus allows neat-o effect #1 and that focus allows neat-o effect #2).

 

[Kobold Stew]

A number of spells and effects describe the use of the focus -- at some tables, that would be a requirement. e.g channel divinity abilities.

Also, I expect that a +1 focus will be a standard magic item when the full set of rules come out.

 

[Nagol]

A number of spells and effects describe the use of the focus -- at some tables, that would be a requirement. e.g channel divinity abilities.

Also, I expect that a +1 focus will be a standard magic item when the full set of rules come out.

I hope not! The magic rules are skewed against succeeding at saving throws sufficiently without giving methods for the caster to increase the difficulty.

 

[Agamon]

I can see using, for example, a wand of magic missiles or a staff of fire as a focus. Doesn't help with the spellcasting, but is useful itself.

 

[Li Shenron]

It feels mostly a cosmetic concept to me, which isn't bad at all.

Wizard #1 uses a staff
Wizard #2 uses a wand
Wizard #3 uses an orb
Wizard #4 uses strange powders and ingredients from a pouch...

I am ok with the fact that without your chosen focus, you can only cast spells without components (or those with expensive components which presumably you would have with you anyway).

 

[MechaPilot]

Also, I expect that a +1 focus will be a standard magic item when the full set of rules come out.

I think you are likely right that we will eventually see +X foci and +X save bonus items pop up as options for those who want them. That being said, I hope we get some magical non+X foci that allow you do interesting things to your spells (sort of like being items that allow you to impose metamagic effects).

 

[I'm A Banana]

I hope not! The magic rules are skewed against succeeding at saving throws sufficiently without giving methods for the caster to increase the difficulty.

Isn't that the point of magic items, though? To skew the odds in favor of the dude with the magic item? I mean, if you got a shiny new +1 deeliebob and it didn't actually really improve your odds of succeeding, why'd anyone be interested?

 

[Nagol]

Isn't that the point of magic items, though? To skew the odds in favor of the dude with the magic item? I mean, if you got a shiny new +1 deeliebob and it didn't actually really improve your odds of succeeding, why'd anyone be interested?

Maybe it doubles the duration of divination spells? Maybe it gives +1d6 damage to rays and cones? Maybe it grants +1d6 to CHA checks because of how awesome it makes you look when you cast?

I looked at the math around spells and saving throws and assuming all parties in the game universe are treated similarly spells are hard to resist and get harder if the opposition levels as quickly as your character does. This gets worse if the caster can have additional features that increase the DC.