Spellcasting is how your character uses magic to make things happen — fire, healing, illusions, sound, and more. Every spell has **requirements**. If you can’t meet them, **the spell doesn’t work**. Those requirements are called **components**. #### 🔹 Spell Components (The 3 Things Magic Needs) When you look at a spell, you’ll see some letters: **V**, **S**, and **M**. They stand for: - **V — Verbal (Speaking)** - **S — Somatic (Movement)** - **M — Material (Items)** A spell may need **one, two, or all three**. #### 🗣️ Verbal Components (V) **This means you must speak magic words.** Think: - Incantations - Prayers - Chants - Magical phrases ##### What that means in play: - You must be able to **talk clearly** - If you are **silenced, gagged, or underwater**, you can’t cast it - People nearby usually hear you casting Note: If you can’t speak → **no spell** #### ✋ Somatic Components (S) **This means you must move your hands in a specific way.** Think: - Hand signs - Tracing symbols in the air - Precise magical gestures ##### What that means in play: - You need **at least one free hand** - If your hands are **tied, frozen, or restrained**, you can’t cast it - Wiggling fingers isn’t enough — the motion must be deliberate Note: If you can’t move your hand → **no spell** --- #### 🧱 Material Components (M) **This means the spell needs a physical item.** Examples: - A bit of wool - A crystal - Ash - Herbs ##### The easy rule: - If the spell **does NOT list a gold cost**, you don’t need the item - You can use a **spellcasting focus** instead - If the spell **lists a gold cost**, you must have that exact item - If it says the item is **consumed**, it’s used up No item (or focus) → **no spell** --- #### 🪄 What is a Spellcasting Focus? A **focus** is an object that replaces most material components. Examples: - Wizards: wand, staff, crystal - Clerics/Paladins: holy symbol - Druids: totem or mistletoe - Bards: musical instrument ⚠️ A focus does **not** replace: - Speaking (V) - Hand movement (S) - Costly materials #### 🧠 Simple Examples ##### Spell says: **V** - You must speak - Can be cast while tied up (if you can talk) ##### Spell says: **S** - You must move your hand - Can be cast silently ##### Spell says: **V + S** - You must speak **and** move your hand - Very noticeable ##### Spell says: **V + S + M** - Speak - Move your hand - Use a focus or item #### Why This Matters? Components exist so that: - Magic isn’t invisible or free - Enemies can interrupt spells - Situations like prisons or stealth missions matter - Casting magic feels powerful but risky > **If you can’t speak, move your hands, or provide the item, the spell doesn’t work.**