Magnifying Glass

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Stormborn20

Dec 04, 2014 20:48:38

A magnifying glass is listed as costing 100 gp (PHB, pg 150).  However, a magnifying glass is also listed as a material component for the spell sunbeam without a cost indicated (PHB, pg 279).  Thus, we are supposed to assume that a standard component pouch contains a magnifying glass, despite the component pouch costing just 25 gp (PHB, pg 150).

What gives?  Does this really mean that anyone with a component pouch has a magnifying glass?  Or is there a typo on pg 279 and sunbeam has an expensive component after all?

#2

El_Condoro

Dec 04, 2014 20:56:52

The component pouch description says it holds material components "except for those components that have a specific cost (as indicated in a spell's description)" PHB151. The Sunbeam spell does not say the magnifying glass is consumed when the spell is cast so it is a once-off purchase for the spellcaster and can be reused. For a 6th level spell the outlay is minimal.

 

It might be argued that the bracketed text could relate to the cost or the component but I would say it relates to the specific component, a magnifying glass in this case.

#3

Stormborn20

Dec 04, 2014 21:09:19

El_Condoro wrote:
#4

Sorxores

Dec 05, 2014 4:46:01

the cost is not identified because if you have a staff or a wand (or any other arcnae focus) you don't have to provide the magnifier. Your arcane focus can replace spell component without a price, I believe they didn'T include the price of the magnifier for this reason, otherwise you would have to get a hand free to cast this combat spell, now if you have a staff in one hand and your dagger in the other (for AoO) then you can still cast sunbeam.

#5

Stormborn20

Dec 05, 2014 6:45:06

Sorxores wrote:
#6

Coredump00

Dec 05, 2014 9:57:13

You could also play it that the pouch contains a pretty lousy magnifying glass... but still technically qualifies.  Low quality and really small perhaps....

 

 

#7

Saelorn

Dec 05, 2014 11:28:58

Stormborn20 wrote:
#8

jonathonhawke

Dec 05, 2014 18:28:09

And the cost of keeping the pouch stocked is covered by the caster's Lifestyle costs, except for components with a cost listed in the spell description.