how do you use spell components

[blakk]

I have a mod I am making that will basically force the characters to scrap together spell components and equipment from their fallen foes. but my question is do you DM's and players even bother with spell components? i want to create an environment in which the players really have to think be fore they act, but also use their skill to make and modify their weapons as they go. i mean how would a group who finds them selves on an island that has never been trodden by humans and such find gold and all the normal treasure?
the only way i can get around that is by making them craft their items based on their lore knowledge and crafting skills ... any suggestions?

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

Spell components are always "there", but we never really pay attention to them. Probably should, I guess. But in almost 20 years of gaming with the same basic bunch of people, we're just used to not worrying about them.

 

[KB9JMQ]

Never worry about it except for those spells with outrageous components like giant diamonds, pearls that kind of thing.
I expect those items to be found and accounted for before hand and not "Yeah I have that"

 

[JimAde]

Same here. For components without a listed price I just treat it as a "special effect".

 

[TheAuldGrump]

The only times that it has come up is when the wizard's component pouch is missing, forcing the wizard to scrounge up replacements or alternate components. (The funniest being the Featherfall spell using a maple seed as the component. It worked, but the wizard was a little green by the time he finished spinning his way to the bottom...) For similar, but not identical components I allow a Spellcraft roll, difficulty based on how similar the component is.

The Auld Grump

 

[Ryltar]

I always treat spellcasters as having the Eschew Material feat. Everything over 1gp, they have to specifically buy / look for / whatever, the rest is handwaved.

 

[Psion]

I make players track things that have a gp cost in the spell description. Everything is there, but subsumed in the background. If you are taken prisoner, for example, your spell component pouch will be taken from you and you won't be able to cast those spells until you replace those components.

 

[ARandomGod]

Never worry about it except for those spells with outrageous components like giant diamonds, pearls that kind of thing.
I expect those items to be found and accounted for before hand and not "Yeah I have that"

I don't even worry about those.
Your spell says you need a giant black pearl worth 572gold? Well, take off 572 gold each time you cast the spell.

I have used exceptions to this. Most notably on a couple of custom spells that required a focus, and I had the mage's focus stolen, so that he'd have to go on quests to get the components to remake the focus.

(Actually, I always pay attention to focus, never to material component)

 

[jonesy]

Never worry about it except for those spells with outrageous components like giant diamonds, pearls that kind of thing.

"That's outrageous!" exclaimed the barbarian.
"No, merely mundane", the wizard countered, "now stop going through my spell component pouches, the candy is in the backpack."

 

[Crothian]

I use a few little books that give basically power componetns for different things (ronin arts has some good ones). This way the players get something extra for keeping track of all this stuff.