Spellcasting often require conduits through which the caster's arcane, divine, or primal powers can be channeled. This might be as simple as a wand for a wizard to focus their magical abilities or a complex assortment of expensive materials to fuel a potent spell.
Spellcasting Focuses
A spellcasting focus is a conduit or object used by spellcasters to channel their magical energy. It helps them cast spells more effectively by providing a focal point for their arcane, divine or primal power. The Spellcasting Focus table shows the most common focuses, their price and weight.
Spellcasting Focuses
| Item | Cost | Weight |
|---|
| Arcane Focuses |
| Crystal |
10 gp |
1 lb. |
| Orb |
20 gp |
3lb. |
| Rod |
10 gp |
2 lb. |
| Staff |
5 gp |
4 lb. |
| Wand |
10 gp |
1 lb. |
| Musical Instruments (for Bards) |
Varies |
Varies |
| Artisan's Tools (for Inventors) |
Varies |
Varies |
| Primal Focuses |
| Sprig of mistletoe |
1 gp |
0.1 lb. |
| Totem |
1 gp |
0.2 lb. |
| Wooden staff |
5 gp |
4 lb. |
| Yew wand |
10 gp |
1 lb. |
| Divine Focuses |
| Amulet |
5 gp |
1 lb. |
| Emblem |
5 gp |
0.1 lb. |
| Reliquary |
5 gp |
2 lb. |
Gemstones in Spellcasting
Gemstones and gemstone dust are common material components for spellcasting. The availability of gemstones usually varies as determined by the GM based on where you are in the world. First grade gems are the most rare and sought after, then second grade gems, and finally third grade gems are mostly used in jewelry or ground into gemstone dust and infused into chalks and inks. Higher carat gemstones are usually more rare than those with fewer carats, for example, 20-carats worth diamonds might be sourced with little difficulty in a large city, while one 20-carat diamond might require negotiation with the one noble in the region who has such a gem in their collection.
First Grade Gems
Each first grade gem is tied to a particular
school of magic, as described in the First Grade Gems Table. These gems might be required by name in the material components of a spell, or in the crafting requirements of a magic item that produces an effect associated with a particular school of magic.
First Grade Gems (250 gp per carat)
| Gemstone |
School of Magic |
| Diamond |
Necromancy; clear diamonds are used for Divine Necromancy, while black diamonds are used for Arcane Necromancy. |
| Ruby |
Evocation |
| Emerald |
Enchantment |
| Sapphire |
Abjuration |
| Aquamarine |
Illusion |
| Jacinth |
Transmutation |
| Amethyst |
Conjuration |
| Opal |
Divination |
Second Grade Gems
Each second grade gem can be infused with magic, causing it to augment attacks or produce a particular damage type as described in the Second Grade Gems Table.
Second Grade Gems (100 gp per carat)
| Gemstone |
Associated Damage Type |
| Jade |
Poison |
| Tourmaline |
Lightning |
| Garnet |
Thunder |
| Onyx |
Necrotic |
| Topaz |
Psychic |
| Citrine |
Radiant |
| Moonstone |
Cold |
| Pearl |
Acid |
| Alexandrite |
Force |
| Spinel |
Fire |
Third Grade Gemstones
Third grade gems aren't tied to a particular magical effect but these gems can be be used when the material components of a spell don't specify what type of gemstone is required. Any gemstone that isn't a first or second grade gem falls into the third grade category, some examples are listed below.
Third Grade Gems (10 gp per carat)
- Amber
- Hematite
- Jasper
- Jet
- Lapis Lazuli
- Obsidian
- Peridot
- Quartz
- Tourmaline
- Turquoise
Gemstone infused chalks and inks and their associated costs can be found in the Gemstone Infused Materials table.
Gemstone Infused Materials
| Item | Cost | Weight |
|---|
| Arcanist's Ink (1-ounce bottle) | 50 gp | 0.1 lb. |
| Piece of Arcanist's Chalk | 10 gp | 0.1 lb. |
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