Why Do Many DMs Overlook This Restriction for Spellcasters?

[Mordane76]

In many games I've played in, and in most I've run, DMs overlook the restriction on wizards having a list of spell components on their person, making sure they have those components at hand, then making sure that components used in the spellcasting are crossed off, and then requiring spellcasters to find/pay replenish their components.

WHY? Is this not a major hassle to being a wizard that many are getting away with? When I finally stopped to think about this restriction, I realized just how exceptional this hassle could be if properly enforced. Now, I have to figure out how to brooch the subject with my players, because I feel that the wizard in our party is probably getting off pretty easy.

 

[Lazybones]

In 3rd edition, isn't the new rule that you just have a generic "spell component pouch," which includes all components except for pricey ones over a certain value?

In my view, this is a good thing. D&D's already got enough micromanaging and recordkeeping.

 

[Sagan Darkside]

If the component costs money, then I just have the player deduct that much money from their gold.

If the component is rare, then I will require they get it. Especially if it gives me an adventures idea.

SD

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

I've always ignored that. Mostly for the reason that some of those components are dumb (tiny jam tarts for Tasha's Uncontrollable Hideous Laughter?) and also because the existence of those components imply a magical shop where you can buy them, and I don't like that idea.

However, if the component has a cost, then yes, you should make damn sure they have to pay for it. Don't let wizards get away with shapechanger without that 1000gp jade component.

 

[Mordane76]

I've always ignored that. Mostly for the reason that some of those components are dumb (tiny jam tarts for Tasha's Uncontrollable Hideous Laughter?) and also because the existence of those components imply a magical shop where you can buy them, and I don't like that idea.

I don't see how the "silliness" of some of the components implies a shop where they can be purchased. Using your example, couldn't a wizard put a rank or two into Profession: Cook, and then bake his own jam tarts for the spell?

I won't say I'm not guilty of this -- I overlooked it for the longest time because of the record keeping aspect. But when I think more and more about it, some of the components invoke that "Wizard as an Everyman" idea that makes me kinda pleased. I think wizards should have lots of diverse skills, especially if some of them are required for the creation/acquisition of spell components.

 

[Bihor]

one of the proble is it take time to check what spelle component the spell need, and most of the time player don't involve themself outside the game session. they don't make spell list that are easy to read or things like that.

You can suggest this list, http://www.wam.umd.edu/~cadre/dd_spell/
is show what material you need.

 

[Mercule]

I once had a 10/10 wizard/druid (in 2E). On his character sheet, I actually listed every component he needed and in which bag it was located. Fun character; I really liked listing it all.

Still, in was eight or so pages of college-rule paper, front and back (i.e. 16 sides) and two columns. It was an absolute bear to manage. I've never had a player who desired to track items to that level, and I can't blame them. So, I don't require it.

Also, I think there are far too many material components in the D&D spell system. Some add a huge amount of flavor, but as things are, it's just white noise. Therefore, I only really worry about it for the more expensive components.

 

[I'm A Banana]

Bingo.

It IS a hassle. And a rather large one. It adds a reasonable amount of flavor, and so I can live with it, and I'll never be affraid to keep track of the components for them (or include them in a plot hook), but I'm not going to track it like some sort of bloodhound detecting ways in which the players are 'cheating' because they don't micromanage their spell lists.

It's just tooo much hassle. Costly components I make them search for (because the cost is part of their balancing act), but otherwise, it's nada.

 

[Tsyr]

I don't enforce it, and never have, and never will. Why?

Well, a couple reasons. The most relevent at the moment is that I don't use vancian magic at the moment...

But moreover, it's like a punishment for playing a caster. It's not fun, it takes time away from the actual gameplay, and it serves no real balancing purpose, as i feel wizards are balanced just fine without the hassle, maybe even a bit weaker than I would personaly like.

 

[Ascending Crane]

Amusing, this just came up in a campaign I'm running. I said to the player, "You know I use material components, right?" He replied, "Hunh??"

The way I run it in my campaign is that you don't keep track of individual components. You're fine as long as:

* You have your material compnents pouch;

* You occasionally visit an herb shop or mention that you are stocking up on your components;

* You buy/find the more expensive components.

If you actually USE material components while casting, you get a very small xp reward. Last game a mage player in my game said, "I pull the bit of fleece from my pouch and toss it into the wind, casting my Sleep spell."

It's the small things like this that bring a smile to an old DM's face.